Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I listened to Senator Dooley's tale of being hard done in having to buy a second-hand house and not getting a grant. I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for his interest in housing despite the fact that things seem to be going backwards. People are angry and will not let the Government away with this. It is up to us to express their anger. No matter what way the Minister of State colours it the measure is draconian and we are calling for its reversal. If we did not, we would be failing in our duty.

I appreciate what the Minister of State said about the grant having outlived its usefulness as an economic incentive, but that history lesson coming without any advance warning is unfair. I would almost go so far as to say it is a bit of a con. The measure has killed the hopes and aspirations of first-time buyers. What is more serious is that, not only does it affect people on a personal level, but it also puts more pressure on local authority housing lists which are increasing all the time.

The Government must swallow its pride and back down on this farcical measure, otherwise the economy will reap the consequences for a long time to come. Not alone has the Minister for Finance dashed the hopes of thousands of young people, but the Government will become known as a Government of dream wreckers. The dream of most young people is to own their own house. The first-time buyer's grant may not matter much to the Minister for Finance, but it is of critical importance to young couples. The Government deserves condemnation for its callous action. It is unfair, was announced without notice and leaves many couples who have booked new homes high and dry.