Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I support the call for a debate on the escalating costs of housing. Some issues have been resolved and the affordable housing scheme and the facility for councils to acquire up to 20% of suitable land have certainly helped. However, we must examine the role of health boards. It is now more lucrative for an investor to rent an apartment or a house to somebody on welfare than to a professional couple. The health boards are driving up the cost of housing and while it is not the main driver, it is part of the problem and must be investigated. The health boards and community welfare officers are dishing out vast amounts of money which is contributing to the escalation in house prices.

I concur with Senators who criticised what happened to the three Palestinian children. This House must send out a message that murder is murder. There have been many car and suicide bombs in Iraq resulting in horrific casualties. It is very worrying that one of Saddam Hussein's defence lawyers was abducted and murdered. There is a worry that there is a death squad in the interior Ministry. If that is the case, it is wrong. This House should send out a message that whatever happens in Iraq, members of the government there should not be involved in the establishment of a death squad. This is a very serious allegation and the House should ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to investigate it and find out what exactly is happening.