Mr. Martin Whelan:

I will ask Mr. Silke to address the analysis and underpinnings pertaining to the report the Deputy mentioned. We were asked to carry out work on behalf of the Department that looked at four options. None of those options offers an immediate route to increase supply in the marketplace because of the scale of the disconnect between supply and demand that exists. This context is important in any reference to rent movements. The reality is that until such time as the rate of increase in rental supply matches or exceeds the rate of increase in rental demand, there will be upward pressure on rents. Respectfully, I do not have a crystal ball. A wide range of factors, over and above those identified in our report, are impacting on the supply of rental accommodation and, by extension, on price dynamics within that. I will come back to the Deputy's question about affordable housing. I will ask Ms Perry to address that. Mr. Silke might address the issues raised.