Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The challenge in building an economy was to manage it properly in the interests of all the people.

I disagree profoundly with Deputy Barry when he said that people's pockets are more important - it is people's lives that are more important than rich men's pockets.

The balance to be struck is one of increased supply of houses and accommodation, and at the same time to maintain the balance between those who are tenants and those who supply accommodation for tenancy. That is a real challenge. Deputy Barry will recall in recent years the total collapse of the construction sector. The reason the Minister, Deputy Coveney, is deliberating on the issue is that it must be done properly. There was a period of public consultation. I do not know whether Deputy Barry supplied his views in writing but 70 written contributions were received from people throughout the country in response to the public invitation to do so.

See this speech in context