John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I think in particular of hundreds of people of my age who were sucked into construction in the past ten years and whose futures now lie in ruins. I remember a famous comment made by Deputy Cowen when he was Minister for either Foreign Affairs or Finance, to the effect that if we build enough houses, they will become cheap. While I distinctly remember him making this comment, I cannot recall whether it was to me in this Chamber or elsewhere. His policy and that of the Government in recent years, has been partially responsible, together with the global situation, for bringing this to the present juncture. I am delighted to support this motion and the Government should take on board some of the constructive suggestions contained therein as a way to move us out of the quagmire in which we now are.