Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In yesterday's budget, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Paschal O'Donohoe, made reference to the new accident and emergency department at University Hospital Limerick, which is an outstanding facility but is only one part of the equation. The second part of the equation is the building of a 96 acute bed unit alongside the new accident and emergency department. I hope that when the new capital plan is published, the 96 acute bed unit on the University Hospital Limerick site will be included. A number of months ago, the HSE agreed to my request to provide more than €100,000 to allow the design phase of this 96 bed unit to get under way. That is now in place so no further time is being lost. I would like to see the funding provided.

I will make a brief comment on the budget. First, the biggest issue with housing, apart from other issues, is supply. The measures introduced in the budget will bring about further supply. It is a three-pronged approach. The vacant site levy will ensure that people do not sit on sites but are either built on or sold for development. Second, there is a €750 million strategic investment fund available to couples and young people who are looking to purchase houses at a reasonable value. Third, the stamp duty now comes in line with that in the United Kingdom but if someone purchases a site and develops houses on the site, they can apply for a refund of the increased stamp duty paid. That has been lost in the debate. The measures that are being brought in will bring about additional housing, and supply is the key issue in housing.