Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have consistently said that the key to solving the housing crisis lies in supply. They key to supply is affordability and the key to affordability is cost. We have been conscious of the excessive costs associated with development levies, certification, credit or finance, and VAT. In April 2016, the Minister's predecessor and now Tánaiste, Deputy Coveney, said that he would need an independent audit or assessment of construction costs before he could confirm the obvious fact that was staring everybody in the face. Where is the independent audit? What has kept it? Why in God's name has it not been laid before the House in order for the Minister to be in a position to competently make recommendations that could reduce the cost of construction and encourage more building order to improve supply?

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