Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

I acknowledge the progress that has been made in Cork, both by Cork City Council and Cork County Council in the delivery of affordable purchase houses in particular. That is very welcome and I note the strong ambition in the programme for Government under the starter homes theme, which is important. Again, I reiterate that when one looks at the delivery of housing, the quantum of social housing is critically important and we all want that to increase but have to look at the disparity between social and affordable. We need to ensure that we bridge that gap and continue to increase our delivery of affordable housing as well as social housing and, of course, cost rental housing. I know that the Minister is personally committed to this and would ask him to give it every priority possible in the coming months.

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