Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am a little confused. There must be a new type of Sinn Féin-love. During his contribution the Minister of State, Deputy English, attacked Fianna Fáil, which has not been in power for the past five years. At the same time, the Government is seeking the support of Fianna Fáil. Life does not work that way with me but perhaps it does in Sinn Féin circles.

I congratulate the Minister of State on coming to the House with an open mind. Deputy English does not live far from me and I know that he is a hardworking Minister. He has listened to the proposals put forward today, for which I commend him. However, there are a number of points with which I take issue, including one made by Senator Coffey. Having been Minister of State with responsibility for housing for some time, Senator Coffey will be aware that many of the problems that have arisen have nothing to do with money or the position which the then Government found itself in. The perfect storm was created. The spatial strategy which was fully implemented deals with only 20% of need indiscriminately across Ireland. The increase in the cost of build also arose on the watch of the previous Government, 30% of which increase was in regard to regulation and oversight.