Dr. Kieran McQuinn:

The housing market is a unique case. It is in some ways typical of the problems we face, which are particularly acute in housing because there was inflation in housing before the present pandemic. The policy response is slightly different. We have been in front of the Deputy before saying we feel it is an area where the Government needs to spend more money and increase provision of social and affordable housing. Unlike many areas where in dealing with inflation one is trying to minimise Government expenditure because of the fear of exacerbating the problem, in housing we need to do the opposite and spend more money to provide more public and social and affordable housing. That, in the longer run, should ease price pressures, at least for certain groups in the housing market. That instance is somewhat different from other areas of the economy. One could argue as well though-----