Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are not going to dismiss constructive suggestions, wherever they come from across the House because we recognise that this is a challenge. We believe we are making progress as a Government and as a country in increasing the supply of homes but we have more to do. We are never going to deny that and we are open to constructive ideas and proposals from right across the House.

It is important to make the point that the targets are not a limit. The targets do not limit the amount of construction, either by the State or the private sector. The progress we are making is evidenced, not least in the mortgage market.

In 2023, first-time buyers accounted for 25,600 mortgage drawdowns, the highest level since 2007. I pointed to the momentum, which is actually accelerating. Nearly 9,000 units commenced construction in the last quarter of last year, almost 50% higher than the same quarter in the previous year. That gives an indication that homes are being built and homes are coming. That is ultimately the most sustainable way of bringing supply more into line with the demand that is growing.

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