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

I accept we need to make progress in delivering even more homes. The Government is at pains to recognise that. However, in the Deputy's world view, there is no role for the private sector in delivering those homes. Homes built in this country by the private sector are built at a profit, and we need those homes to be built. We need a private sector that can build more homes, and in building those homes they make a profit. In tandem with that, we need the private sector to deliver homes at more affordable prices. That is why the Government has brought in a variety of schemes, which I am sure the Deputy has opposed, to enable the private sector to deliver homes at a lower price. It is also why we have the biggest plans for the delivery of more homes through our local authorities and approved housing bodies since the 1970s.

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