Joe O'Toole (Independent)

The last point raised by Senator Brian Hayes could be dealt with in an early debate on the new programme, Sustaining Progress, which deals with housing. It also contains a proposal agreed by Government to introduce new legislation on rented accommodation and the rights of tenants. It would be helpful to have such a debate. We also need to look specifically at the needs of first-time buyers and at the possibility of giving tax relief to people saving for a deposit on a house since such relief is given to people saving for pensions, etc. We should consider having ad hoc savings accounts, for people saving for deposits on houses, which would be tax efficient and in respect of which people could obtain tax relief. I would like the Government to consider that.

Hundreds of thousands of people here and millions around the world marched at the weekend in respect of the Iraq situation. I am not calling for a debate on Iraq, because I have no doubt we will have more such debates. However, various reports, radio shows and talk-ins since then have all referred to how politicians can be made to listen. I would appreciate it if the Leader took the trouble to inform the radio stations and media outlets that politicians are listening, but that the Government is not. Many politicians marched last weekend and many are listening. It would be helpful if we could distinguish between politicians and the Government. I am sure the Leader would be happy to do that for us.

Another issue at which we must look is how prices impact on inflation and how they affect consumers. We need to look at that and at price control, or dare I mention the latter for fear of over-exciting too many people? I would like to hear the Government's view on this issue.