Liam Fitzgerald (Fianna Fail)

I join my colleague, Senator Dardis, in warmly welcoming the anticipated announcement by the Taoiseach today at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions conference that State land will be made available for the construction of 10,000 affordable houses. I have no hang-up as to the location at which the announcement will be made. It is tremendous news for first-time buyers and should be warmly welcomed by all sides. There could hardly be a more appropriate forum for the announcement than an ICTU conference. Compliments should also be paid to ICTU and our colleague, Senator O'Toole, for the role they have played, as partners, in the progress of the economy.

This is one of the most significant interventions in the free market since the current crisis in house prices began. Such interventions are occasionally necessary. The Government and the councils must now ensure this huge initiative, which is only the beginning of a process, is not hijacked by vested interests or, worse, by bureaucratic red tape in such a way that the benefits do not accrue to first-time buyers. I hope the momentum generated by this intiative will continue.