Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

The Minister has the details of my question. I ask it because I want to establish the up-to-date position regarding the implementation of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and how many affordable houses are being delivered on the ground, particularly how many planning permissions have been granted for affordable housing. I did not agree with the amendment to Part V as set out in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002 and I am concerned about how this is affecting the provision of affordable housing.

It is important to monitor what is happening in regard to the provision of affordable housing. As the Minister of State will be aware, the price of housing continues to increase. In my estate, the price of houses has increased by approximately €100,000 in the past year, which is not sustainable. As this means that first-time buyers are being left behind, it is important that as much affordable housing as possible is coming on stream.