Mr. Simon McKeever:

The perception was that the lack of accommodation was more affecting people than businesses, but now it is feeding right into businesses. I am sure the Deputy has seen the report published by Daft.ie this morning, which indicates there are 3,800 homes available now, compared with more than double that number previously. The Deputy inquired as to the short-term and long-term impacts. As regards the short term, there is plenty of opportunity, as my colleagues have stated. Certainly from an exporting point of view, there is significant demand for companies' product post Covid. If they cannot find the necessary workforce and locate it close to their businesses, they simply will not be able to fulfil the orders because they will not have enough people or right-priced accommodation. In terms of competitiveness and house price inflation, many companies have been told by their staff that they are moving elsewhere. The remote nature of jobs is also impacting in rural areas because people are getting Dublin salaries. Many companies, particularly smaller ones, are not able to meet the wage levels that a large multinational organisation might be able to offer. They simply cannot afford to keep the workforce. On the long-term impact, I have serious concerns regarding our whole economic model if we do not get this right. Despite what has been said about the FDI model, it is a successful model that is very important to the country. The FDI companies bring a level of global expertise. After people work for those companies, they leave and go out and set up their own businesses. It is a skill set that comes into the country. One must question our ability to continue to attract FDI if we do not have enough accommodation for workers.