Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have just been thumbing through an article by Tony Connelly of RTÉ regarding our economic growth figures. Apple iPhone exports account for 25% of our growth according to an IMF estimate. Earlier I asked the Taoiseach about quantitative easing and low interest rates. There is a great deal to be unearthed yet from our economic data in the context of a discussion on the economy. With regard to social policy and public services, the public, unfortunately, does not have confidence in a range of public services, with housing and health being the top two. The rental issue is, as has just been articulated, putting enormous pressure on people on a number of fronts such as young people who move to cities for work and so on. A significant proportion of their income goes on rent and they are left with little disposable income. The lack of security of tenure for many families has led to the homelessness crisis and continues to compound that. Fundamentally, there is a lack of supply. The Department of Finance conducted an analysis of the lack of action two years ago in the context of incentivising supply. That is needed. The rental market is contracting in some regards despite all the talk. The number of units available now is lower than two or three years ago and, therefore, we have a critical issue on the supply side that needs to be dealt with.

With regard to the health sector, we need honest budgeting and transparency at the core of what it will take to make sure people do not have to wait inordinate times to access basic treatment, surgery and consultants. The figures, unfortunately, have not improved by any significant yardstick.

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