Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

This is what parts 1 and 2 of the Celtic tiger achieved in the past ten years and long may it continue. Yesterday's budget was an honest attempt to address the difficult areas of housing the Senator has correctly highlighted to the House. Some houses were overpriced, the market had to level and the Government could not get involved, so this could be the right time to do the right thing, as I always say.

Senator Buttimer called for the roll-out of public services for the national broadcaster of our national games. I hope the day never arrives when the viewer of amateur Irish sports will be asked to pay to watch. We all support the ethos of the Gaelic Athletic Association and believe players should not be paid to play, though they should be given expenses. They deserve the highest quality resources to help keep fit because the greatest gift one can give one's body is fitness. Viewers, those who attend games and those who make these sports want to ensure players have these resources but this House should send a strong message to the GAA that we will not get involved in its affairs. We are all Gaels and want games to be televised on channels that do not charge for viewing.