When can we expect the National Treasury Management Agency (amendment) Bill to be published? How much funding does the Taoiseach expect to have on hand, after 15 December, to finance the running of the State next year? Different figures were given at budget time in terms of the NTMA kitty.

I support the points made by the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and Deputy Mary Lou McDonald in regard to homelessness. While I commend the Taoiseach on his engagement with one of our homeless citizens, it is time for him, as Head of Government, to address this desperate crisis. In my own constituency, for example, 5,000 families are on the housing list or in homeless accommodation, which usually consists of one room in a hotel or bed and breakfast. Will the Taoiseach invite the new city manager, Mr. Owen Keegan, and other relevant parties to initiate an emergency programme to begin dealing with the problem of homelessness and the housing crisis in advance of Christmas?

The Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, has taken this issue in hand and is actively pursuing it. She will report to Government on what is required in due course. There is a national challenge to be faced in his regard. We have had a complete stagnation in the construction sector for some time because of the general collapse in the housing market. Everybody has a responsibility in this matter, from local authorities, through the Department, Government and the various agencies. The Minister of State is overseeing all of that and when she reports to Cabinet, we will decide how we can act most effectively to address the challenges. Had we unlimited resources and a thriving construction sector, the problem might not be as great as it is. Nobody wants to see families living in one-bedroom apartments or in bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation, as happened in the Deputy's constituency when residents of Priory Hall had to be evacuated as a matter of urgency. We are taking steps to deal with the issues.