Dr. Mark Cassidy:

I am not sure whether the Deputy is referring to something temporary because of disruption as a result of Covid-19 or something which predates that and some form of speculation. Anything that reduces the supply of accommodation, both apartments and houses, coming into the market is a negative in terms of dynamics in the housing market. What we need is more supply coming on stream as best as possible. Beyond that is getting more into housing policy. We are clear in our advice on housing policy. There is a need to increase supply but in terms of how best to do that, we might not be as close to the complexities as the Government in that regard.