Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I support the suggestion made by Senator MacSharry on the excellent document prepared and submitted to the Government by Senator Carroll. I support calls to have a debate on it next week in advance of the budget. It is an extremely well worked out document, the kernel of which is a proposal to reduce the VAT rate to 5% on the reconstruction of houses. There is approximately €100 billion in savings, some of which could be released into the system to upgrade the quality of houses. A reduction in the VAT rate to 5% would generate an enormous amount of building work. I compliment the Green Party and the Minister, Deputy Ryan, on the insulation of houses which has been an extremely successful campaign which has resulted in the creation of jobs. This is a very worthwhile proposal which should be teased out in the House. Rewiring is required in numerous houses as what is in place dates back to the 1950s and 1960s; in fact, some houses are in a dangerous condition. If the proposal was adopted by the Government it would create more funds.

It would be worthwhile to have a debate in the House on the university sector. As far as I can see, most lecturers spend more time appearing on RTE and Newstalk programmes than they do in lecture chambers. It is time we looked at this. I understand the children of all university staff can avail of free fees. Perhaps Senator Bacik can confirm this.