Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I think it is reasonable for me to state, as I have, that it is our intention to proceed with the implementation of the programme for Government during the tenure of office of this Administration, that the priorities outlined there are ones with which line Ministers will now proceed having taken up office within the past few weeks, and that, as Deputy Rabbitte will be aware, it will be the responsibility of the line Minister concerned to come to Government for consideration of proposals to implement any commitments in the programme for Government.

On housing policy generally, it is our intention — and we have provided in the national development plan sufficient funding — to meet in full the commitments in the NESC report relating to social and affordable housing. I am glad that output in this area is considerably higher than it was a decade ago and that the Central Bank sees a move to an easing of output to approximately 60,000 to 65,000 units per year as being the one that will best ensure supply meeting continuing demand in the future. The thrust of what we must accomplish in the coming months and years is to achieve a soft landing in that respect.

See this speech in context