Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Members for their comments. I tried to be factual in my opening statement and I thank everyone who tried to be reasoned in their responses. Some comments were not valid.

I might go on about supply, but it is important. Only with a decent supply can one bring stability to house prices. In recent years, overall supply has increased considerably, but it must be put in context. The last census showed an increase of 8% in the population and the previous census showed another 8% increase. While we do not have a breakdown of the figures in the recent census, the previous census showed an increase of 18% in the number of people aged 25-34 years, which is the key household formation age group. Most of them work and make contributions to the economy, but trying to cope with an 18% increase is incredible.

Senator Cummins stated that some of these people live with their parents. One can visit a house and be told that three sons or daughters, aged 31 years, 29 years and 27 years, live there whereas one could have called at the same house or another house 20 years ago and be told that three sons were in Australia, America or elsewhere. Which is better? My party was not in power 20 years ago.

This is a worldwide trend. Even in my time, many people left school at 17 or 18 years of age and got married at 24 years of age. Thankfully, more people go to college now and remain dependent on their parents for longer. The average age at which people marry or set up homes is older than previously. While they might drive a few of us mad if they stay at home, so be it. It is better for them to be at home with parents than in Australia.