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

I have no issue with linking people's income to rent. In fact, our social housing programme is quite good in that respect. Likewise, HAP is a support to many low-income families in getting access to housing. Our preference, however, is to build more houses and to build social housing through the approved housing bodies and the local authorities in order that people can get access to social houses rather than having to rent at excessive rates. Our preference is also to get more private rental supply. If we inhibit private rental supply, rents will go even higher. There simply are not enough apartments or houses being built. The good news is that in the past year there have been 30,000 commencements. We have to maintain that right throughout 2022.

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