Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Long after the horse has bolted, the Central Bank is attempting to close a door it need not even leave ajar. The reality is that people are struggling and will struggle to get on the housing ladder. Appropriate regulations on lending are required. There is no need to discriminate against young families starting off, which is precisely what a measure such as this will do. It will not affect Governor Honohan in the ivory tower on Dame Street or anybody in these Houses, given the salaries and supports we have available, but it will affect many others throughout the country. It is discrimination. I do not like to disagree with my learned colleague, Senator Sean D. Barrett, but he, too, is wrong on this issue of the 20% deposit. There is no science whatsoever that can take from what is a discriminatory move by the Governor of the Central Bank.