Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am probably in stoppage time at this stage. I certainly hope we will not have VAR in the House after the soccer match the other night involving Iran and a penalty.

I thank the 12 Members for their contributions. I begin with Senator Ardagh's comments on the important and welcome decision of the Government to take in 25 immigrants. I congratulate the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Taoiseach on their decision. I agree with Senator Ardagh that a conversation is needed on immigration, not least because Ireland is an open nation that welcomes and embraces people. We should be a safe harbour for people and give them the reception we received in many parts of the world when we travelled abroad as emigrants.

We have made changes to the work permits scheme, although I accept that we have a road to travel on the issue of direct provision. The Government decided in 2015 to enter the European system of relocation and we are very much committed to that mechanism. The evidence of that is also seen in the bravery and heroic work of the Naval Service in the Mediterranean in saving lives and bringing people safely ashore. I would be happy to have the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade come to the House to discuss the matter.

On the issue of housing, which was also raised by other Senators, the Government has taken action in this area. We have had planning reform and the launch of an affordable housing scheme, with further models of affordability set to be implemented. A new land development agency has been created and Home Building Finance Ireland, HBFI, has been launched. Policies take time. Some of the Senators opposite, who do not want history lessons and do not like to hear facts as opposed to fake news-----