Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have beliefs about the value of our society and great beliefs regarding the role of a strong State to meet the needs of our society. That is what I, this Government and the previous Government have been working so hard to do in responding to the many needs and challenges we know are there for our citizens in finding the homes they need at affordable prices and rents. I acknowledge that we have much more to do.

To answer Deputy Connolly's question regarding my views on the report, I believe things are missing in it. The report does not make adequate recognition of the capacity constraints of our economy and the difficulties our construction sector has in growing in scale to deliver the housing output we need.

Also missing from the report is an acknowledgement of the multiple other competing demands the Government and I face, and the need we will have, at the right point, to begin to change our level of borrowings. In answer to the Deputy's question, I believe those issues are missing from the report.

In response to Deputy Doherty, I am always humble in the face of meeting people who do not have a home or who cannot afford their rent or to buy a home. I am, however, equally resolute in making the point that in face of that need, we have made huge increases in the amount of money available to respond to our great housing challenges. This Government and I are determined to stick at it until we get the progress our country wants.

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