As the Senator may not have someone to second the amendment, I am taking the opportunity to propose it in the first instance.

The other issue to which I wish to refer is the housing crisis. We raised this matter on the Order of Business on several occasions in the run-up to Christmas. I commend the Leader for the range of issues on which the House will take statements in the coming days. These are all matters in respect of which Senators previously sought debates. However, there is also a need to debate the position on housing in the short term. There is a difficulty because a lack of supply and rising rents. In addition, there is a major problem in the context of rent caps and their impact on many people. I do not believe lifting them would constitute a solution. Such a move might have the unintended consequence of increasing rents, thereby making matters more difficult for those in the private rented sector who do not receive rent supplement. However, we must examine the possibility of controlling rents which comes within the powers of the Government. Any of the measures it has put forward to date does not go far enough in meeting people's needs. This matter is increasingly becoming one of concern throughout the State. It began as a major issue in Dublin as a result of rising rents and is now such an issue in Waterford, where the Leader lives. Those Senators who deal with ordinary individuals on a regular basis will know that the problems relating to housing and rent caps are becoming massive. People simply cannot find accommodation and they are finding it difficult to get access to either the rental accommodation scheme, RAS, or the housing assistance payment, HAP, on foot of rent caps. While lifting thoe caps might not represent the solution, there are other actions the Government could take and interventions it could make to help families. I, therefore, request a debate on housing and the supports being put in place to meet people's needs.

Senator David Cullinane has asked for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, to come before the House today. If the Minister is at a location 150 miles from these Houses and there is no way he can get here, does the Senator propose to proceed with a nonsense vote that will be of no relevance in this matter?

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

That is my first question.

Where is the Minister?

The Senator is entitled to ask.

He is 150 miles away.