Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Senator Buttimer is the lost leader of Fine Gael.

The housing sector is in a critical position. A large number of surplus houses are available and small developers will go out of business next year unless action is taken. At the same time, the State pays more than €300 million per annum in rent subsidies. The Government could purchase as many houses as possible at the lowest possible rate, which would be a knock-down price. If some of the surplus houses are not used in the next six months, quality will deteriorate to the point that they will be demolished. As the Cathaoirleach is aware, one must keep a house heated or it will deteriorate.