Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Does Dr. O'Toole have a particular view as to what the rate of homeownership should be in an economy and country like Ireland, in terms of striking the proper structural balance for society and generally? I see a great risk in people remaining in the rental sector. There are many older people who are renting. Indeed, many of the people who contact me are elderly renters. They are under severe financial pressure.

It is a group of people that are working and then suddenly they are no longer able to work and they are under severe pressure. If they own their own home, it certainly takes serious pressure off, as they are not worried about where they are living. In that context, I can see that it is building up for the younger cohort. From the age of 45 up, we generally have a high rate of home ownership but that is not the case from 45 down. At the moment, the 25 to 34 age cohort is at 30% and the 35 to 44 age cohort is at 58%. The former is certainly very low. What was traditionally the rate of home ownership in Ireland? I know I am asking Dr. O'Toole to express an opinion, and I suspect he will not go into that space, but nonetheless, we must have this conversation. I found it to be a very interesting piece of data and I would like to use it as a basis for seeing what we can do and expediting policy on affordable housing for that younger age group.