Local Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy, has said that government expenditure on subsidies to private landlords is likely to surpass €1bn in 2022.
He says it is 'an indictment' of a government housing policy that is actually making the situation worse.
He was speaking following engagement with senior officials from the Department of Housing at the Dáil's Public Accounts Committee.
Deputy Carthy says the housing crisis in Ireland did not happen by accident and is a direct result of the policies pursued by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
Deputy Niamh Smyth, meanwhile, says it is an "absolute priority" of Government that people in Ireland can put a roof over their head.
She added that Fianna Fail has a "record" for delivering on housing.
"If it's one thing about Fianna Fail we have always, always been known to deliver on housing," Deputy Smyth continued.
"In Budget 2022 there was record State funding allocated for current and capital expenditure - a 20% increase on 2021 to boost supply.
"€44m of that is for the new affordable purchase scheme and will allow for over 2,000 homes to be purchased by first time buyers.
"That is just some of a suite of measures that Minister Darragh O'Brien has put in place."
