I can appreciate that. It is good for the family that it happened. Remember there was a debate here almost a year ago on acquisitions. People in this House wanted ordinary people to be able to buy houses in estates without being outbid by the councils or institutions.

It is the rationale behind the general policy. We do not want individuals or couples competing with the council all the time to buy a house. That is the balance that has to be achieved here. The primary focus we want from local authorities is to concentrate on getting social houses built directly. We need more housebuilding on all fronts. This includes the private sector, agencies like the Land Development Agency, LDA, local authorities and approved social housing bodies. They all need finance in different guises t…

Yes. I will talk to him about what the Deputy has raised as well.

First, Deputy Doherty has called on me, I think, to instigate an independent investigation into what happened in the Department of Foreign Affairs when we won our seat on the UN Security Council. I am satisfied with the investigation that has taken place and I will not be doing that. While I was not in government at the time, I have been very clear since this event was brought to my attention that it was wrong and should not have happened. Those involved have apologised. I am genuinely taken aback by Deputy Doherty…

-----that is, everybody else on the island, were limited to 30 people at a funeral.

Sinn Féin had people lining the streets in uniform, while the ordinary men and women Deputy Doherty talked about were distraught because they could not attend the funeral of their loved ones.

The Deputy's party was being investigated by the police for four months-----

-----for breaches of the criminal law.

The point is that everybody with eyes in their head could see what happened. That funeral took place only weeks after the event Deputy Doherty is raising such a huge issue about. To the best of my knowledge-----

-----the Deputy and his organisation have never admitted that they were wrong in what they did, but they lecture everybody else. There is one law for Sinn Féin and a different law for everybody else when it comes to this.

I do not like having to do that.

The Deputy keeps going on. I do not like having to do that.

I do care.

It seems the only people who can call foul, criticise or say others have created a scandal are those in the Sinn Féin Party. I am telling home truths.

I do not like doing it. I have to do it.

What went on in respect of the Department of Foreign Affairs event was the wrong thing to do. Those involved are public servants involved have given long service to this State. They have admitted they were wrong and have apologised for one minute's breach of the social guidance. It pales into insignificance by comparison with what Sinn Féin organised. That is the bottom line. That is what I am saying and that is all I have to say about it. I am not revisiting the issue any more. I ask Deputy Doherty not to be so hy…

In response to Deputy Boyd Barrett, there are questions this evening-----

The Minister for Education will be in the House this evening-----

-----to answer questions on the leaving certificate. We will talk to the Whip to see if, at some later date this week, a debate can be organised on the leaving certificate. I take Deputy Denis Naughten's point that a debate, where people can bring their different perspectives to the table fully, would be useful and important. I have no issue with that. The Minister will be in the House this evening to answer questions and, I presume, there will be a number of questions on the leaving certificate.

Deputy Michael Collins raised the issue of the work of our fisherman in respect of their diplomacy with the Russian ambassador. I understand that one of the key fishermen involved thanked the Minister, Deputy Coveney, for his intervention. Apparently, they were at one regarding the successful outcome of the representations made by the Minister and our fishermen.