Dr. Kieran McQuinn:

We would probably kind of agree. On the supply side we need a mix of social and affordable along with the private sector involvement. Ultimately, the fiscal cost to the State would be too high or certainly would be very onerous if we relied on the State to provide all the housing in the economy. In that context there is a role for the private sector which will continue. The Deputy has said it is unaffordable; the reality is that it is affordable for some people otherwise it would not be built. Therefore, there are some people who can afford it now. He can debate the distribution issues around that. Certainly, there must be a role for the private sector. It is a mix of private, social and affordable. How much should be private and how much should be social and affordable is another question. From the point of view of the commitment that would be required if the State were to fund all housing development, the cost of that would be too great.