It would need to be a comprehensive answer.

I certainly appreciate that the Finance Bill has taken up all of the Minister’s time. However, this scheme was introduced in 2016 and became operational in 2017. The most recent formal review was many years ago. The tax strategy group did a chapter on it with various options. They pointed out that the scheme is four times more expensive than envisaged. The comments from the ESRI, which have been repeated many times, are that the help-to-buy scheme is adding to demand pressures. Social Justice Ireland states that th…

I do not believe that the scheme has achieved the purpose for which it was intended at all, which is bad enough. However, it has also contributed to the housing affordability problem without a doubt. I am not alone in thinking that. All of my colleagues in opposition have said that. More importantly, the ESRI has said it. Social Justice Ireland, who keep their ears close to the ground, based on research, have repeatedly said it. The scheme is helping people who are already in a position to have a deposit for a hous…

I call on the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, to make a statement. He has 20 minutes.

I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 37 and the name of the Member in each case: (1) Deputy Pat Buckley - to discuss the current situation regarding the MV Alta wreckage in Ballycotton, east Cork; (2) Deputies Darren O'Rourke and Ruairí Ó Murchú - to discuss the corporate structure and financial status of National Broadband Ireland; (3) Deputies Joe Carey and Kieran O'Donnell - to discuss the findings and recommendations of NewERA's mediu…

Go raibh maith agat.

That is not a point of order. We are in the middle of a speech from the Minister of State, Deputy Butler. I will let her continue.

It is important, but it is not a point of order in respect of the speech from the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Butler.

The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, has possession.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 37 and the name of the Member in each case: (1) Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin - to discuss the proposed Garda station for the Dublin 13 and 17 area at Northern Cross; (2) Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan - to discuss wastewater treatment for the Castletownshend area; (3) Deputy Pat Buckley - to discuss the current situation regarding the MV Alta wreckage in Ballycotton, east Cork; (4) Deputy Holly Cairns - to …

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCeann Comhairle as ucht an ábhair seo a roghnú. Táim ag díriú isteach inniu ar an ionad cúraim lae Naomh Proinsias sa Chaisleán Nua i nGaillimh. Tá cosúlacht ann go bhfuil droch-chinneadh déanta fáil réidh leis an gcistin lán-fheistithe agus an fhoireann atá ann ag soláthar béilí folláine ar feadh breis agus 20 bliain, ní hamháin do na daoine a fhreastalaíonn ar an ionad lae ach don ionad i bPáirc Mhuirlinne do leanaí agus ógánaigh freisin. The Minister of State is very familiar with St. F…

I thank the Minister of State for finally addressing my question, which is about a review. I realise she is stepping in for somebody else, but services for older people and mental health overlap as well. I got a page with the reply, and other than the middle part that tells me there is a reconfiguration, I got a hymn of praise to the amount of money provided. I know the Ministers are working hard. I have said that. I am not going to waste my precious time on that, but on the very bad decision to close a wonderful k…

The Minister of State might include me in that meeting.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit.

I return to the issue of home care hours, raised by Deputy Kerrane on Leaders' Questions, and the HIQA report. I do not expect the Minister, Deputy Michael McGrath, to have read the 323-page report but the findings of the report jump off the page. There has to be a root-and-branch review; anything else is unacceptable. I refer to the risks of the unregulated situation. What I want to focus on is that all Deputies have received letters regarding hours being allocated but no one being available to provide them. What …

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. I wish Judge Rory MacCabe the best of luck in his new role. I do not know him personally, but I knew him in a former life in a professional capacity. I also want to compliment Ms Justice Ring on her work over the past six years. She posed a question to us in a recent interview. She questioned whether politicians "are actually committed to meaningful independent oversight of the gardaí". That should spur us all on to reflect on whether we are. If we are, how have we …

We are over time. I invite the Minister to conclude.

The Bill, which is certified to be a money Bill in accordance with Article 22.2.1° of the Constitution, will be sent to the Seanad.

I call on the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, who has informed the Ceann Comhairle that she wishes to make a personal explanation to the House pursuant to Standing Order 56.