Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is a comprehensive strategy, Rebuilding Ireland, which deals with the multiple strands from a policy perspective and we now have to implement that. We will spend €5.3 billion over the next five years on social housing and a series of other initiatives is in train to address the core issue, which is a deficit in supply of both social housing and affordable private housing. We are doing a great deal to generate movement on increased supply.

I will address the issue Sinn Féin has raised in respect of the rental market. The party spokesperson knows exactly what is happening. We will have a new rental strategy within the next fortnight, which will take account of the submissions by multiple Members and parties. The notion that Sinn Féin has a monopoly on compassion for people who are struggling in the housing market has no basis in fact.

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