Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We will oppose section 9 of the Bill. The help-to-buy scheme was a bad idea when it was first proposed, and after the Central Bank's changes, it is a really stupid idea. This scheme will add fuel to the fire and it will not add to supply. It will just boost demand, drive up prices and only help developers and banks. Unlike others, my party is unambiguously opposed to it. We had the farce of Fianna Fáil telling us it was opposed to it on Committee Stage in the Dáil and then arguing for it to be extended.

When the scheme was launched, the Minister responsible for housing, Deputy Coveney, stated he did not want to hear any academic arguments. One does not need to be an academic to know what effect free money has when there is a limited supply. This is a reckless idea that harks back to the worst ideas of Fianna Fáil's reign. This might be the last chance to stop it. I urge all Senators to block this section.