Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

As well as taking away the first-time buyer's grant and raising VAT to 13.5%, and on top of the foregoing other increases, the Government has introduced development levies, which in some counties have risen from €6,000 to €30,000. Can the Minister of State imagine the cost that has added to building houses the length and breadth of the country?

Passport fees have increased significantly as well, particularly for the under-privileged and the vulnerable. The cost of a passport for an infant has increased, as has the cost of passports for three year olds to eight year olds.