John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

It would have only cost €44 million to abolish stamp duty for first-time buyers and the Minister could have done so. It would not have gone directly to the pockets of builders and developers because first-time buyers are not the most significant component among those buying houses. I am disappointed the Minister did not do so.

The Government promised it would ensure that all children under the age of nine would be in a class with a ratio of less than 20:1 by the time it left office. Despite the commitments mentioned in this House by the Minister of State, it will not come close to reaching that target by the time of the next general election.

Although I had thought that I had been allocated 15 minutes, apparently I only have ten minutes. Unfortunately, I will not be able to say much more. I wish to make a final point concerning the elderly. I mentioned the improved pensions provision, which I welcome. However, the Minister has a nerve to speak about improving the hours granted for home help, having cut 2 million hours from the system a few years ago. He has a brass neck to tell this to people now. The provision of home help was a key method to keep elderly people in their homes for longer and to maintain their independence. Many people in that position will be galled by the Minister's comments today.

Overall, there are provisions in the budget that are to be welcomed. However it constitutes a missed opportunity——