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

We are in a position to drill down into it. Unfortunately, the answer has been both simple and very difficult. The cost of inputs has gone up so much, including wood, steel and other things we needed in recent years to turn our money into projects the country wants. It has got far more expensive to build. In terms of indications that it is beginning to improve, at this point any evidence I have is anecdotal from talking to officials about delivery of projects. I have received anecdotal feedback that tendering processes are having more companies coming to participate in them. That is a good sign. How do we compare with what is happening in other jurisdictions? In truth, we compare favourably. We reason we do so is that we are in a position to invest more to offset the impact of some of these issues. The best example of this is where we are in housing, a big feature in the questions and answers we have had this evening. We are one of the few countries in Europe building more home this year than last.

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