Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State and the Budget Statement. The correct note was struck by Senator Ross who said it would be difficult for anyone to say anything against the budget, and people will have to swallow hard. This is difficult because I recall spending 1982 to 1987 in opposition when I thought the Government would never be dislodged. However, politics has a way of turning itself on its head from time to time.

I would like to put on record that we would not be in this expansive period of financial improvement today but for the decisions taken by the previous Minister for Finance in the years leading up to this budget. The Minister, Deputy Cowen, began his speech by stating this clearly. We can talk it up, talk it down and talk around it but it is a very good budget. I thought I would have an easy time during this five years because I would not have much constituency work. However, the work has begun to pile up as a result of young couples trying to buy houses. It is extremely difficult for them to purchase a second-hand house. As a result of the budget proposals, stamp duty will not apply to first-time buyers of second-hand houses up to €317,000 in value. This will be of significant benefit to people trying to buy a house in towns throughout Ireland. It is a very helpful measure. I did not think the exemption would be included in this budget, but more work will need to be done in this area next year.

Significant provision has been made in the budget for the disabled and people who are intellectually challenged — the words keep changing and one must get them right. Whoever is in Government — I hope it will be Fianna Fáil — in the period 2006-09 will find this will not change because the spend for the period has been set out. Much of the credit for improving the measures relating to people with disabilities goes to the Minister of State here tonight. He has taken a great interest in this area. Equally, the Minister, Deputy Cowen, spoke passionately in the House today on the issue. Difficult as it was, his time as Minister for Health and Children helped in this regard. He jokingly refers to it from time to time as his time in Angola. This is because of the constant strife that goes on in that country.