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

As I said earlier, yesterday the Government took a number of key decisions on the national planning framework, which is key - I hope the Deputy agrees – and will lead to more zoning of land which is important given the numbers of houses that we have to build in the coming years. We approved an additional €450 million for 3,400 social, cost rental and affordable homes. In excess of €6 billion has been allocated for housing in State expenditure for 2025. We need about €20 billion to get to 50,000 per annum. That is the scale of the challenge. I respect the views the Deputy has put forward but I respectfully suggest they may not reach that gap in the level of investment we require.

I think the Irish banks should do more and I think the cost of financing house building is an issue. I also say without apology that we must look at mechanisms to bring an increased level of private sector investment into house building. Any attempt to deny that is flying in the face of reality. I have noticed a reluctance on the Deputy’s side to even accept that premise. I get condemned for even suggesting that we should increase the level of private sector investment in housing as if I am committing some sin in saying that and then Deputies jump to all sorts of conclusions. Then I get accused of saying things because I am listening to lobbyists. I have not met half the lobbyists that people on the Opposition benches have met.

See this speech in context