Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to invite to the House the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Cullen, who seems to be a popular man, as many Senators have asked that he attend. I would like a debate with him on the Government's policy, or lack thereof, on homelessness. Members of the Oireachtas do not have to go far from this House to see some of the many unfortunate people who are homeless, for whatever reason. I would like the Minister to explain the Government's policies for solving this problem which is of paramount importance.

Other Senators have mentioned the problems faced by first-time buyers. I am sure many Members have received telephone calls from distraught young people who have to pay an additional €1,500, or more, as a result of VAT increases. They have to pay a significant amount of money to put a roof over their heads, especially in the light of the loss of about €3,900 when the first-time buyer's grant was abolished.