Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

The issue is fundamentally one of demand. The economy and credit are booming. We are trying to meet strong demand and the only way to do so is to tackle supply. At the same time, we are not losing sight of those who are being squeezed out of the market. I have been invited to attend an open day on the northside of Dublin tomorrow to view affordable houses which are being sold for €165,000. In addition, houses built in Clondalkin and Tallaght as part of a land swap for property on Harcourt Terrace are being sold for €142,000 for a two bedroom property and €172,000 for a three bedroom property. Houses are being provided at affordable prices. The fundamental issue is to meet demand and we are doing everything in our power to encourage developers to increase supply.

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