Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

——which were undertaken during the democratic debate but which were outside the budgetary context and which, therefore, reinforced uncertainty rather than brought about clarity.

The clarity that has been achieved — in the context of all first-time buyers — is that only first-time buyers will benefit under targeted approach A. The message in that regard has been received. The second approach is that if one buys a house new or second hand, it is exempt from stamp duty. This is simple, it is understood and it will allow people to get on with their lives.