Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Obviously, we will debate that matter when those figures are finally published but given that the Minister is operating from such a low base, to have the best year to date is hardly something to celebrate.

Let us look at the affordability in two cost-rental projects, both on public land. In O'Devaney Gardens, the cost of the so-called "affordable" rentals there will be just under €1,500 a month for a one-bed, just under €1,700 a month for a two-bed and almost €1,900 a month for a three-bed.

That is substantially above the rents being charged for existing renters in the private rental sector. Oscar Traynor Road is not much better. Let us consider the increased price of the so-called affordable purchases. In a scheme in Newcastle West, advertised by Limerick council only this week, the lowest entry-level price of a so-called affordable home is €361,000. If someone wants to own the home outright, it will cost €435,000 rising to €455,000 for some of the properties. That is more than double the actual price paid by people in Newcastle West, according to the property price register, for all homes sold last year bar one. Surely the Minister has some concern at the rising cost both of the so-called affordable rentals and the so-called affordable purchases.

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