Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I call for a debate on this budget. A number of issues were raised last night in statements but we have all had more of an opportunity to digest the budget and its contents and it would be very helpful if we had a more considered debate. A good point was raised by Senator Byrne yesterday in terms of the Living City initiative and he suggested that would-be cities like Drogheda and Dundalk should be included in this initiative. I support him on that. From my perspective, I very much welcome the safeguarding of the homeless budget. However, I am concerned that the home renovation initiative, which will provide a tax credit to homeowners who carry renovations, does not include, for example, rented properties. Four out of ten people in Ireland are living in rented properties, particularly in urban areas. I am concerned about matters of fuel poverty and poor standards in rented housing. I would like to see this type of initiative extended to people in rented housing. I would like if we could have a further debate on the specifics of the budget.