Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

——low income tax rates and relatively low interest rates by historic standards, up to nine points below what we had for almost 30 years. Affordability is also supported by the strength of the economy, record employment levels and relatively high saving ratios. The expected shift in the interest rate environment will impact on affordability. This, together with the large increase in new housing supply, will support equilibrium in the market. I have answered questions on many aspects of the housing issue in recent weeks.

In regard to the establishment of the office of the director for employment rights compliance, several legislative changes remain to be implemented. There is an amount of legislative work arising from the agreement and preliminary work has started on that in recent months. If the agreement is ratified, legislative measures to establish the inspectorate will be a priority.

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