We did not cause any problems.

I did not cause any problems. Everyone in life has responsibilities. Let us stop trying to excuse people on the ground of regulations. There are regulatory frameworks today and there were regulatory framework then. Certain people did not adhere to them. That is the point. No one will ever call that out because it does not suit them to call it out. The Government must always be the first resort. I have no issue with sorting this out and helping families to rebuild their homes. I have been in a house where I have see…

That is very important.

I do not think the existing arrangements were adequate in managing a scheme of this scale. The Government wants to do right by the homeowners. The comprehensive nature of this scheme, which includes rental properties, something that was not included in the previous scheme, is a significant advance.

Not them. Not the residents.

I did not.

Yes, those who produced the defective blocks.

Take that back, please. I think the Deputy should take that back.

I think the Deputy should take that back.

The rationale for doing this scheme is to help homeowners to be able to rebuild their homes. That is the only rationale. This level of State intervention is unprecedented. It has never happened previously at the level it is happening now. It is because it is a social priority. In other words, we believe the residents and homeowners in Donegal, given the situation in which they find themselves, are not in a position to rebuild these homes. It is not their fault the blocks were defective. That is my point - the block…

First, I believe in a stronger public transport system throughout rural Ireland. The Minister for Transport and for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Ryan, published a substantive investment programme in rural transport recently which represents a significant advance on what we have had heretofore. It is very important we improve transport overall, including public transport, and give additional supports to existing transport operators in rural Ireland. We will not have a DART, I suspect, from Ber…

I could go through all the various schemes we have announced: LEADER having gone from €44 million to €48 million, which will fund the existing programme, the new transitional programme, the community development programme - €5 million, and island infrastructure - €2 million plus. I hope we can do some good work down in Dursey Island, for example, which would be a very welcome initiative.

In terms of public transport, there will be a significant programme. It is not kicking the can down the road. The programme has been announced in terms of an enhanced and expanded rural transport network. I am a great believer in public transport. My late father drover many a bus to different parts of west Cork and I am fully aware of the needs of Mizen, Glengarriff, Beara and all those areas that need a good regular bus service. They are growing and developing and we must put in alternative investments into these …

There is a need sometimes for a bit of balance.

What was that? Is it the carbon tax?

I gave an answer on fuel.

I gave an answer on the carbon tax.

As I said to the Deputy and his colleague last week-----

Okay. I appreciate that.

First of all, as a general point nothing at all is rushed in this House. It takes a very long time to get things done in this House and to get legislation through this House. I make no apologies on housing because we have had too much delay on housing right across-----