John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

There is now an opportunity for the relevant committee to outline the way the next Seanad should be run. We should, therefore, take this last opportunity to ensure the Seanad will be relevant for the future. I am conscious that many positive suggestions have been made but not pursued. I was struck, in particular, by Senator Quinn's suggestion in regard to the Malaysia My Second Home Programme. This is an excellent idea. I ask for a debate on how we can incentivise people to reinvigorate the housing market in Ireland in which there is an overhang of 100,000 houses. People from abroad could avail of certain tax considerations to purchase a property and invest in Ireland and, possibly, seek Irish citizenship. America provides such a facility. It would be a win-win and the suggestion is worthy of debate.