Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I share Senator Finucane's concern about the housing crisis and many remedies need to be discussed. The €100,000 difference in prices between houses in the Dublin area and those elsewhere underlines the importance of proceeding with the decentralisation programme. We need to gain proper political support for it across the spectrum and have one or two of the public sector unions co-operate a little more.

It is good to find a zero figure sum for a Vote in the Book of Estimates in the appropriate context, which is the case of the Luas. It is right to hold the Luas up as an example of effective and competent Government with a strategic grasp. Great credit is owed to the Leader, as the system is excellent. I frequently use it when I am in Dublin. Credit is also due to the Railway Procurement Agency.