Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I also raise with the Leader the latest announcement on housing and the Government's great plans to address the issue. I recall another major announcement about affordable housing made five or six years ago from which, in reality, little emerged. For this reason, my feeling this time is that I will believe it when I see it. I agree with Senator Brian Hayes's point about the timing of the statement and how it impacts on our work in the House. I propose that the House meets in September to discuss the announcement and to try to ensure it becomes a reality.

Despite my wish to shorten the holidays, I wish everybody a good summer break. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his work during the year, which I omitted to do earlier. I also congratulate Senator Maurice Hayes on receiving a well-deserved honorary doctorate from the University of Ulster. I am familiar with his excellent work in the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation and the Forum on the Future of Europe from my involvement in these bodies.