John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I think it is too high. A new homeowner who e-mailed www.ripoff.ie complained that the builder of the house asked for €70 to install a doorbell after he had paid the actual cost of the house in the first place. I could give numerous other examples, but I do not wish to get bogged down.

We need to do more than back-slapping. I am conscious that the Minister, Deputy Martin, has not been in his post for very long. It is time for action — it is not just about appointing boards or asking for further reports to be commissioned. The Minister can carve out a bit of a niche for himself on this issue by tackling it head-on. There is genuine and real concern in this regard. We can all give examples of people being ripped off on a daily basis in this country.