Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

If that is happening, the land will need to be acquired and funding put in place. The Minister might consider these issues.

This is one of the least controversial Finance Bills to pass through the House for many years. There are some issues that could be discussed further. As has been pointed out by a number of Senators, we should investigate more closely the position of the underprivileged and the less well off. There are many poor people out there and many who are suffering. Housing is very expensive and frequently both members of a couple must work to keep up with mortgage payments. Although interest rates are low, there is great hardship in some homes because of the high cost of housing. The housing situation in Cork was highlighted on television recently. Those who can avail of schemes such as these cannot even afford the house prices. Finally, although we have not had a debate in the House on funding for the BMW region, I hope the Minister will address this issue in his summing up.