I thank the Minister and his officials for bringing this legislation to the House. I also thank Opposition Members for their co-operation and understanding in concluding this important legislation before the end of this session. I have noted that and will keep it in store for future proposals.
Finance (No. 2) Bill, 2000: Committee and Remaining Stages.
Sections 1 and 2 agreed to.
SECTION 3.
Question, "That section 3 stand part of the Bill", put and declared carried.
Sections 4 and 5 agreed to.
SECTION 6.
Question, "That section 6 stand part of the Bill", put and declared carried.
Sections 7 to 29, inclusive, agreed to.
Schedule agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without recommendation and received for final consideration.
Question proposed: "That the Bill be returned to the Dáil."
I join the Leader in complimenting the Minister and his officials on this legislation. I wish the Minister well with it, despite our misgivings. I enjoyed the lesson on economics given by the Minister, as always, because he has a homely way of putting things. He is a better spinner than many others who support the Government. I better not pursue that too far. I also compliment Senator Ó Fearghail on his maiden speech.
I compliment the Minister and his officials on the expeditious manner in which they brought this Bill forward. My party and I do not necessarily agree with it but I wish the Minister luck on behalf of the many people who are scratching their heads worrying and wondering when they will be able to buy a house for themselves and their families.
When the Minister last introduced a second Finance Bill in 1998 he succeeded through some measures to curtail price increases in housing. However, due to the economic growth, for which he is almost totally responsible, and other matters, such as the reduction in interest rates and the increase in population, particularly due to people taking up residence in the State, there are more demands on the housing sector. I hope this legislation will fulfil the Minister's intention because it is aimed at young people and our own families. We shudder to think what might happen in the future if speculation in the housing market continues. Everybody wants their own home but they may be priced out of the market. Therefore, I hope the Minister succeeds.
I thank Senators for their contributions and the efficient and expeditious manner in which they have dealt with this legislation. I also thank the staff of the Department for Finance and the Revenue Com missioners for bringing the Bill before the House. The second Finance Bills of 1998 and 2000 were prepared in the shortest time and that involved people working between 16 and 20 hours per day. I am aware of two Revenue officials who delayed their holidays to produce this Bill. We do not point out often enough how the nation should be grateful for such public service. We take it for granted and I thank officials in my Department, particularly those in Revenue, for their work. I am sure the families of those who delayed their holidays are delighted the Government is introducing this Bill but they had to suffer.
Question put and agreed to.
Acting Chairman
When is it proposed to sit again?
At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.
The Seanad adjourned at 4.40 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Friday, 30 June 2000.