Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I spoke with an older gentleman earlier this week who said that he has been around for countless budgets. He does not count them in ones or twos but in tens. He said that in his experience, money is given with one hand and taken back with the other. However, for the last seven budgets, no money was given back - it was all taken. On this occasion, I welcome the opportunity to give people back some money so that they can spend more and revitalise the economy.

I will not deal with NAMA now but would like to welcome the €10 million fund for an affordability housing pilot scheme. I know what it means to be displaced from one's own area. The population overspill in the greater Dublin area is displacing people in other areas. While it is important that there is a focus on homelessness and social housing, there must also be a focus on the affordability of housing for working people.

Finally, I wish to refer to an issue mentioned by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, namely, the €500 million for IDA Ireland for regional property solutions. County Wexford, but specifically Wexford town, which is one of the finest in the country, was excluded by IDA Ireland. That decision should be revisited. The concept of the south east is outdated. There is no longer a south east, but a Dublin corridor from Louth to Rosslare and the rest of the country. Wexford should be considered in this context and I hope the Minister of State will relay that point to the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform.