The Taoiseach should be keenly aware of the housing shortage and the need for more houses to be built. The Minister for Finance has said he is dealing with the home building finance Bill and an agency to lend to those involved in residential house construction on terms and conditions equivalent to the commercial market from banks. I note that while the Bill is listed as priority legislation for the current session, it has not even gone to pre-legislative scrutiny. Is that an indication of what the Taoiseach considers to be a priority approach to dealing with the housing crisis?

The legislation is very much a priority. I met the Minister for Finance last night and we discussed it. The Department of Finance is working on drafting that as we speak. I should point out that through ISIF and other financial vehicles, the Government already provides finance to developers and builders who are looking to build new homes. However, the additional body will allow us to do this in a better way.