Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

There is an argument that spending to save is another approach. If social or affordable housing units were built there would be a quicker saving on that side and a more sustainable approach. We should be able to rely on the figures from the Department rather than doubt them, and there continues to be a doubt about some of the figures. I will table some parliamentary questions that might explore this further.

It continues to be said that there is sufficient flexibility to meet market demands. This does not bear fruit when we actually look at growing rents and the amount of money available. It is a double-edged sword because we do not want people who do not qualify for the HAP to face rent increases, which are not sustainable either. I dispute that it is flexible enough, and the reason it is not flexible enough is because of insufficient supply. There is no solution other than building on a much larger scale than has been announced. The Minister spoke about 46% more, but this is from a low base. It gives an impression rather than being the scale that is needed.

See this speech in context