Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support those speakers who spoke about English language schools. The Leader of the Seanad, Senator Maurice Cummins, and I referred ages ago to an airline pilot training school that went under in the same way over a year and a half ago. It is definitely time we grasped the bull by the horns because students are being left high and dry.

I look forward to the debate on Seanad reform later in the day.

I welcome the announcement of an extra €312 million for housing. I was a little disappointed to hear the very negative comments coming from the Opposition side. I recognise that Fr. McVerry is doing great work, but it can get to a stage where one becomes totally frustrated.That €312 million should be recognised as part of the €4 billion announced for housing. In south County Dublin there are 89 projects and €17 million is coming into Dublin south-west. I was on the council for 20 years and we were crying out for housing. This is one of the biggest initiatives we have seen in Dublin south-west. When one breaks it down like that, it actually means something.

I know that Fr. McVerry criticised the council, but South Dublin County Council is particularly active in recirculating the voids. That is another issue to which the Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly, referred today. It is not just one project because there are the voids, NAMA and the construction of council houses. Many Senators have mentioned the banks, in particular. The Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and other Ministers have said that something will have to be done about the banks. The Government will take action if the banks do not do so themselves.

At the weekend, I visited a woman who is in mortgage arrears due to the interest being charged. Those people will become homeless, so it will come back on the State and local authorities to rehouse them. This is the first major project in this regard and I welcome it.

I would also like a debate on the language schools.