Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

It is little consolation to people who find themselves unable to buy a house to tell them we have not quite reached bubble levels yet. There are two issues with regard to housing. Obviously supply is one, but affordability, which is a very closely related issue, needs special attention in its own right. In recent days, Philip Lane told the finance committee that house prices are increasing to an extent that only people on high incomes can afford them. In this regard, the actions taken in the budget in respect of the help-to-buy scheme have exacerbated the situation for many people. Does the Minister accept this is fuelling house prices? Will he consider suspending the scheme in light of the negative impact it has had?

See this speech in context