Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is important we try to ensure that first-time buyers have access to the market. We have taken some initiatives in that regard. It is to be hoped that the success of social and affordable housing initiatives will see a greater contribution from that sector than before. A great many interventions have been introduced, some of which have been successful and some less so. Ultimately, supply and demand will dictate the market.

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