Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have some reservations about this because I think we need to use all options to secure homes. Hopefully, in time, we will have options to buy affordable homes in the private sector. It is not a matter of private versus public. Every option, angle and opportunity must be about enabling people to get a home. I do not even like the slogan "housing for all". I prefer a home for all as I think it is a nicer word. It is about homes. People do not necessarily care about who owns, builds or pays for them because, ultimately, they are paying. If it is affordable, they are happy. It is about security of tenure and affordability. I do not want to close off any opportunity but having said that, Senators Warfield and Higgins have raised some very valid issues. It is an issue of concern. We cannot have a situation where it is totally exploited and abused. I know what the Minister of State is trying to do and there is a squeezed middle. These are people who are paying sums that are way in excess of a mortgage to provide a roof over their heads and do not even own the property. Ultimately, it is dead money but it is providing some sort of roof over people's heads. I think it best that we keep it in the Bill so I will not be supporting this amendment.