Garret Kelleher (Fine Gael)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit, an Teachta O'Sullivan, agus gabhaim buíochas leis as teacht isteach inniu. Tugaim mo tacaíocht don leasú tábhachtach atá os ár gcomhair anocht. As the Minister of State outlined in his opening remarks, what we are doing here is legislating for an increase in the statutory borrowing limit. If we do so, it will be the seventh occasion on which this has been done since 1981. My colleague, Senator Murphy, has already outlined the urgency behind this, given the potential shortfall that could arise in early November. In that context, it is the right and prudent thing to do to ensure the increased provision of social, affordable and cost-rental housing across the country. I agree with Senator Murphy on the importance of addressing the anomaly of the non-inclusion of the technological universities in the provision to ensure the viability of the development of student accommodation. On the whole, I am very supportive of this and thank the Minister of State for his time and for clearly outlining what is being put before us today. I am very happy to support the Bill.