Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

The State cannot sustainably finance on its own the building of 50,000 to 60,000 houses for the next decade, so strategy and policy must reflect the continuance of unprecedented Government investment but complemented and supplemented by private sector investment.

That is the clear strategic approach of Government. It is not panic mode or anything of the sort but it is relentless and it is focused. We are not going to be sidetracked by populist short-term declarations, announcements or soundbites that look good. Soundbites do not build houses. I am absolutely committed, along with the Minister and the entire Government, to dealing with the housing issue as a constant priority and that is reflected in the budget. Yes, we did not go down the income tax route or other routes. Why not? It is because we wanted a 20% increase in housing. We wanted a €50 capitation grant for primary schools, which makes a huge difference.

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