Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I understand the Government, particularly the Minister for Finance, is very determined to ensure we have a good, healthy, functioning banking sector. It is important to acknowledge that thousands of people who have invested in and are working for the financial institutions have done no wrong whatsoever. They, too, need some encouragement. While there are instances of concern, we should acknowledge clearly they are isolated in the overall context of the turnover of billions upon billions of euro. The Government will, with determination, address all the issues and ensure we have a healthy, working financial system that operates in the best interest of everybody required to use the financial institutions.

Will the Leader ask the responsible Minister to brief the House on the national insulation programme? I welcome the investment of €100 million in energy efficiency and insulation programmes. I congratulate Senator Larry Butler, who has pursued this matter at parliamentary party level for some months.

I ask that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government be invited to the House to brief us on the State housing stock, the local authority loans and sales schemes and, in particular, social and affordable housing options. The president of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers, Mr. Alan Redmond, has called for a review of the income limits for applicants for the new home choice loan scheme.