Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

A number of market commentators, including the Central Bank, now predict greater balance in the housing market over the next few years, as increased supply has a dampening effect on house prices. Affordability has also been assisted by a range of factors, including high levels of economic growth which have facilitated lower tax levels, increased disposable income, increased employment, lower mortgage interest rates and low inflation. This is what it is about.

While Deputies may talk about prices having risen by 300%, 500% or whatever, the real test is affordability.

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