Larry Butler (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the budget. We had a worthwhile debate yesterday on the drugs problem in this country. The budget has gone some way towards ensuring we will be able to tackle the drugs culture in the coming year. I welcomed the sentiments expressed in the House. All Members are trying to come up with solutions, which is the only way forward, and not criticise each other in the House.

There was a social aspect to the budget. For the first time, a couple received a €41 increase. We have never seen such an increase in social welfare and pensions and it is to be welcomed.

I welcome also the changes in the housing area. I have the pleasure of being spokesman on housing and look forward to a full debate in the House on the way we can alleviate the problems in housing. A total of 46,000 people do not have a house——