Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

However, it is clear that the practice is still continuing in respect of houses. Regarding apartments, though, the State is on both sides, which the Taoiseach said should not be the case. The Housing Finance Agency is providing funding to bankroll developers in providing apartments and, in turn, the State is taking out long-term leases.

This is the most expensive way of providing housing. The Taoiseach said that this approach was going to end and that we were going to enter a new period. Yet, just in July, the Government established a €450 million fund for long-term leases. It is impossible for first-time buyers in Dublin to buy a new home. Obviously, because of prices, it is impossible for them to buy houses, and there are also no apartments for sale. Therefore, this situation is having a hugely distorting impact on the housing market.

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