Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

It is probably fair to say that in recent years there has been an overdependence in the economy on the building of houses and property. It is important, therefore, that politicians exercise caution in what they say about that property market. We now have a situation where the two Government parties are making different statements about stamp duty reform. This is not just about an election, auction politics and the like. This is about people's lives because substantial sums of money and people mortgaged to the hilt are now the reality for many young couples in this city and throughout the country. Will the Taoiseach agree with me that it would be more useful at this stage——