The government's housing record has been robustly defended following tense exchanges in the Dáil this afternoon. Sinn Féin raised the topic on the first day of the new Dáil term, in particular the issue of the bulk-buying new developments. However, the Social Protection Minister hit back at the criticism, taking aim at the opposition party's wish to bring house prices down to €300,000.
Local Minister Heather Humphreys told leader Mary Lou McDonald only a recession would make that happen. "The only way that we will achieve house prices at €300,000 is if we have a recession, that's the only way house prices will come down" said Minister Humphreys. "I'm being absolutely realistic about all of this. I'm telling the people facts, you can't build a house for €300,000 and that's the fact of the matter."
