David Norris (Independent)

I am grateful to the Cathaoirleach for the five-minute sos because it allowed me to pick up the statement on affordable homes. I understand why the head of the Affordable Homes Partnership would object to the suggestion about brown envelopes. I do not know who made the suggestion but it certainly was not me. However, the head has missed the point because we were talking about the fact that many of the homes do not seem to be affordable and are for people who have very considerable incomes. A joint income of €75,000 is not inconsiderable and the homes were meant for nurses and others such employees on approximately €32,000. Homes are not being provided for individuals in this category. The homes are granted by lottery but the people who have entered are never told when it is held or the result unless they win a house. This does not suggest the existence of transparency and accountability.

On a related matter raised by Senator Ryan, there was a very good debate last night on the Social Welfare Bill during which I made the point that not only is it snobbish to exclude people on rent supplement from the nice little areas so they will not discommode those who can afford to buy homes therein, it is also a form of apartheid. It was I who used the word "apartheid". Focus Ireland said of this matter that, for the first time, there is in primary legislation a legal mechanism that prohibits specific categories of people from living in certain areas. The Cathaoirleach knows as well as I do that this is apartheid.