Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to take the opportunity to recognise the great work that was done here yesterday in passing Second Stage of the Irish Sign Language Bill.I acknowledge the great work of my colleague, acting leader of the Fianna Fáil group today, an Seanadóir Mark Daly in bringing forward the legislation. The sentiments expressed by the Irish deaf community are very favourable towards the work done here yesterday. The Seanad can recognise minorities by bringing forward and supporting legislation to deal with issues such as the one we addressed yesterday.

I call on the Leader to facilitate a debate on the Government’s regional and rural development policy. I would like the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Heather Humphreys, to come to the House to discuss the issue of regional and rural development.

The final issue I wish to raise is the new home grants or tax rebate scheme. I remember on the day it was announced mentioning that the 80% loan-to-value ratio would incentivise people to take on debt. Now we see in the media today a report that it is being tinkered with and may be reduced to 70%. The scheme is incentivising individuals to take on debt in purchasing a home, which is wrong. Is it possible for the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Simon Coveney, to come to the House to discuss the scheme? In parallel, he might discuss the Government’s social housing allocations for local authorities. Both issues are relevant and it would be of benefit if the Minister discussed the home grants scheme before the debate takes place in the House on the relevant legislation which I presume will be introduced later in the year.