Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agreed yesterday with Senator Darragh O'Brien regarding the proposed 20% deposit requirement, which is over the top in my view. I suggested that it should be reduced to 15% at least. The more important figure is the limit of 3.5 times the combined salaries. This morning I agree with Senator Bacik and Senator Hayden on the matter and in particular I join Senator Bacik in asking the Leader to arrange a debate at an early date on this issue because it will have to be decided quickly and we need to add our voices on the matter. Dublin is the primary market in the country, given the population and where the demand is greatest. We are very concerned for young people that they get on the ladder. As Senator Hayden said, we have a proud tradition of home ownership which I do not think we want to disturb. It would be bad for the stability of society if we were to encourage things in that direction. One will not buy much in Dublin for anything less than €250,000 or €300,000. If Governor Honohan's proposal goes ahead, that would require a deposit of €50,000 or €60,000. This is way over the top, I believe, and it will go against our tradition and everything that we have believed in. I look forward to the Leader's response because I am sure he will agree with me. For that reason I ask that we have a very early debate on this hot subject.