Last night, RTE's "Prime Time" reminded us once again of the absolutely disastrous circumstances pertaining to social housing. It reminded us that there are 100,000 people – families – on the housing waiting list. This is the highest number ever in the history of the State. The situation continues to worsen, against a background where there are more empty housing units in the State than ever before. I have asked the Taoiseach repeatedly in this Chamber, during Leaders' Questions, Taoiseach's questions and the Order of Business, when this House will get to discuss the housing Bill, which was on the legislative programme for last year and which is on it again this year. Despite this, we still do not have the Bill before us to give the House a chance to discuss this most serious of crises which is affecting 100,000 families in the State.

There are three Bills in respect of housing. The first, dealing with housing rents, will be dealt with in this session. The second will be later in the year and the third will not be dealt with until next year.

What are the second and third Bills?

The second concerns housing assistance payments, HAPs.

So the third Bill will not be dealt with at all this year.

The Deputy may feel free to request a debate on housing at the appropriate time at the Whip's meeting. I am sure the Whip will be quite happy to accommodate him.