Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise as although I heard the opening statement, I had to go to the other House. I welcome Mr. Moynihan, Ms Loughran and Mr. Dillon. First, I was surprised to see the statement that Ireland is the loneliest place in Europe. I am aware that we have a lower density of population, but is that particular to older people or is that a general statistic? Is it based on the model of housing in other jurisdictions, where there is sheltered or clustered housing? There is the odd case in the newspapers regarding the use of the rent-a-room scheme, where those living alone might rent out a room to a student. Obviously, this has a financial benefit but there is also some socialisation and someone there during the term. The witnesses might comment on that initially.