Dail to debate first-time house-buyers' grant

The Dáil is today debating a Government motion on the Book of Estimates which includes a Labour amendment calling for the reinstatement of the first-time house-buyers' grant.

The Labour amendment, introduced by the party's environment spokesman, Mr Eamon Gilmore, calls for a reversal of the Government decision to abolish the grant. It will be debated in the Dáil over today and tomorrow.

Fine Gael has also demanded a vote on the Book of Estimates.

The Seanad is due to debate a similar Labour motion tomorrow evening criticising the Government's decision to end the scheme and calling for its immediate reinstatement. It also voices support for the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, which has come out in condemnation of the plan.

Mr Gilmore said the ruling had caused "untold grief and hardship" among young families trying to get on the housing ladder. These people "have been kicked in the teeth by the Government" he said, and the "big winners" will be rich investors in the housing market.

The Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, has refused to back down on the controversial issue despite growing revolt from his backbenchers.

A number of Fianna Fáil and Progressive Democrats TDs have already voiced their objections to the move, while Independent TD for Kerry South, Mr Jackie Haely-Rae, has indictated he will vote against the Government on the issue. However, both the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, backed the minister.

"We have to bite a lot of hard bullets," Mr Ahern said yesterday.

Labour Senator Brendan Ryan called on "Fianna Fáil malcontents" to make their voices heard in the Seanad debate. He said those on the housing waiting lists are the main losers from the "appalling decision by this right-wing administration".

Fine Gael's communications spokesman, Mr Simon Coveney, also called on disgruntled backbenchers to "vote with their convictions" and oppose the move. "To complain about the Minister for Finance's latest tactic but then not vote against it is a complete waste of everyone's time."