Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance) | Oireachtas source

The committee needs answers about the cost of houses. The Housing Agency seems to be doing a lot of research. Perhaps it could send us some details. What percentage of the cost of a social home - which averages €180,000 depending on where it is located - does Mr. Skehan believe is made up of elements of finance or profit, labour and materials, land, risk and development contributions? We need a breakdown of the position in this regard and in respect of the cost of an average private home. Instead of building temporary houses - modular or rapid build, whatever they are called - which cost €150,000 on average but much more in Dublin, would it not make more sense to reduce the cost of building? That would be better than building houses which last for 60 years, which are not permanent.