Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Housing was something that Mr. Shanahan referenced in his opening statement. It is a challenge, irrespective of industrial policy. There are opportunities in the likes of Brexit. Thankfully, the rate of unemployment is falling quite quickly. Successful industrial policy in which we will be investing will probably require us to bring in additional employees. This morning we heard the announcement that 50% of the announced jobs will be for people who will be recruited domestically and 50% will be for people who come in because of the language issues. How is the pressure on housing manifesting in terms of an impediment? Is it nearly top of the list? Is it making it impossible to market? Is it being asked about? Is it known about? What engagement is IDA Ireland having with Government in this regard? We probably need a much bigger workforce if we are to have balanced regional development and there probably is a requirement to grow the population.