Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

Yes. All the arguments on this issue have been made at this stage. The Tánaiste indicated yesterday that when the economic and financial circumstances improve, he will take another look at this. Almost two months ago I asked the Tánaiste at an Oireachtas committee meeting to consider, as a money saving exercise, the possibility of using the Villa Spada to house the two embassies. The Tánaiste indicated to me at that stage that he would look at that proposal. He has recently reiterated that statement. Rather than raising this issue every morning, Members should allow time and space for review and consideration of the matter. I agree with other speakers that there are major issues to be confronted in this House.

I support the call by my colleague, Senator Pat O'Neill, for a full debate on housing. There is a crisis in the local authorities in terms of huge waiting lists. We are not in a position to provide housing. We need to look at all the options, including the value for money we are getting from rent supplements and so on.