Charlie McCreevy (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

Many people on the lower income scale have also contributed. The balance is fairly even throughout the levels of income. Senator McDowell's party felt the scheme would benefit only the better-off. That is not the case and the figures will prove it. It shows the practical commonsense of the Irish people in that when they see a good deal they go for it. There is nothing extraordinary about this.

Senator O'Toole's idea is an interesting one. I will instruct the Revenue Commissioners to look at the idea and have it assessed before next year's budget and Finance Bill. I am not giving a commitment that it will definitely take place but the principle is worthwhile. While Ministers and politicians should not make predictions I will be interested to see how the housing market pans out by this time next year. There is a fair amount of equilibrium coming into the market in all respects. We will have to wait and see. People said that three years ago and nothing happened. Let us wait and see what happens over the next year. I have expressed that feeling for some time now.