James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I support the call for a debate on housing and have called for one in the past. House prices have gone through the roof and young people find it difficult to get on the bottom rung of the property ladder. Local authorities have zoned sufficient land for development but it is not being released. Much of it is in the hands of developers who are not releasing it. We must take action soon.

I call for a debate on illegal moneylenders operating in many large towns. The less well-off are the victims of these moneylenders, some of whom charge 140% on money borrowed. This causes serious family problems for those who cannot afford to pay. Greedy moneylenders must be put out of business because they are a blight on our society.