Michael McCarthy (Labour)

The airports were told that in supporting the initiative to break up Aer Rianta, they would not have to bear the costs. The situation is now the opposite. Since the Cabinet reshuffle, the current Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, has been silent on the matter and then, out of the blue, this demand is made by the Taoiseach.

Regarding the stamp duty issue as raised at the Progressive Democrats' annual conference, I urge the Government to re-introduce the first-time buyer's grant to assist young people in entering the housing market.