Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The Government's housing policy record is absolutely deplorable and can only be considered an attack on the poor and the middle classes. People buying holiday homes and investment property appear to be a greater priority for the Government. There were 26,000 people on the housing list in 1996. The Minister of State says there are now 40,000 people on the list, but my figures indicate there are up to 60,000. This is the result of the Government's policies.

There is quite a number of areas I would like to address, but time does not permit. The remedial works scheme is in place to benefit run down housing estates but we have been waiting in Waterford for finance for a number of projects. While the projects which have been completed over the years are a credit to everyone involved, we need more money to deal with remedial works.