Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is change. That is added progress to progress already made. There were 33,000 houses built last year. I understand that commencements are up by 85% in February this year, compared with last year. That is progress.

The Constitution is clear. The Dáil elects the Taoiseach of the day. There has been an attempt, not by Deputy Bacik but by others, to suggest that there should be a general election. A general election elects parties and Deputies. A majority of those Deputies elects the Taoiseach of the day once the Dáil assembles. We have a proportional representation, multi-seat constituency system. That is an important point to make, because our Constitution governs all of this. I believe, and have always believed, in particular since earlier periods of instability, that governments should go as close to full term as possible. I have served in Governments that have gone full term. The result is better long-term policies and legislation gets done. I have outlined the serious work we have under way. We want that planning Bill done, and we want the future fund Bill done as well.

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