Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator's party voted against the provision of 975 houses. We either want houses or we do not. I am of the view that every person needs to have a home whether it is private, social or affordable. I know that the Senator did not say the following but I wish to dispel the notion that the Fine Gael Party opposes the provision of social housing, on the contrary. I support the need to have affordable houses built to give people an opportunity to buy and live in their own homes, and to have social housing built. I welcome the proposed establishment of the Land Development Agency. I hope, in tandem with county and city councils, that houses built will be built faster. In my own city of Cork, where Senator Colm Burke and I live, there are building sites where social houses are being constructed such as Deanrock Estate, White Street and in Carrigaline, which is in my constituency of Cork Central, to name but three sites. As we speak, social housing is being constructed by this Government and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.

Senators Lombard and Gallagher raised the issue of school transport as did other Members. Earlier the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills, Deputy Halligan, was in the House to take a Commencement matter. School transport is a significant issue and many Members of this House have had to navigate the choppy waters of this issue over the summer months. I accept that there is a need for reform because there are people whom the nearest school does not suit. I am talking about children with disabilities who must attend another school but were deprived of school transport. That is wrong. I heard the Minister of State say that the Government has spent over €190 million on school transport. It is important that we consider the scheme in terms of the nearest school option and eligibility for transport and I hope that the scheme is reviewed. Senator Lombard was right to say that accessing school transport is a source of huge stress and a burden for many families.

I thank Senator Leyden for raising the important issue of the Taoiseach's visit to Salzburg. The issue of Brexit is the question of our time and there are many unknowns. I believe that the Brexit negotiations and tax reforms are two separate issues. The Senator used the phrase that the Taoiseach was swimming with sharks. I assure him that the Taoiseach is a good operator.