Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept Senator Darragh O'Brien's point regarding the quorum at the start of business at 10.30 a.m. and assure him that I will raise the matter at our group meeting next week. Perhaps, as he suggested, all parties should deal with the issue and put in place a rota, because it is a serious matter. Nobody wishes the House to collapse for want of a quorum in the morning.

I welcome the good news story of the €300 million boost for social housing from the European Investment Bank. This is the first time it has become involved with a social housing programme in this country. It will work with the Housing Finance Agency. It is welcome news, particularly for the capital, given its serious housing shortage. We have a duty to look after people who are most in need. Adequate and affordable housing is a basic need in society. The EIB has a great record throughout the UK and in the Netherlands in this area, but this is its first time to venture into Ireland. The programme, which will last from 2014 to 2017, will provide approximately 2,400 housing units and fund the retrofitting of some existing housing stock. This balance is to be greatly welcomed, particularly for the capital city, with which Senator Darragh O'Brien and all the rest of us will be concerned. The details of the investment will be developed in a short time.