John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern. It must be a unique event for two brothers to sit in the ministerial chair in succession. While the economy is not in crisis, as some commentators would have us believe – the figures bear this out – it is the case that prudent management of spending is an absolute necessity. Unfortunately, corrective measures must be taken by the Government and endured by the people.

One such measure is the abolition of the first-time buyer's grant scheme as part of the 2003 Estimates. It was a difficult decision for the Government to remove it but it should be supported for taking that decision. Tough decisions are needed in Government. If we want to keep the public finances on an even keel and maintain the confidence and stability that are the very foundation of our economic success, that is what must be done. It is in that context that the decision to end the first-time buyer's grant was taken. This Government does not need to take any lessons about how to destroy an economy. A Fine Gael-Labour coalition could teach any Government a thing or two on that score.