Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In terms of future trends in the market in Ireland, particularly in the context of Brexit, it is obvious that lots of equity funds have already arrived here or are planning to come. Rents are extremely high and these funds are pitching heavily into the buy-to-rent market. Does the bank have any concerns that the entry of these funds into the buy-to-rent market will significantly reduce the supply of properties for purchase by way of a traditional mortgage? People who would traditionally have obtained a mortgage are now being outbid by these funds, some of which have very significant resources. Rent levels, particularly in the greater Dublin area, are very high by international standards.

What is the bank's take on that from a social as well as an economic perspective?