Seamus McGrath

There certainly is an issue around the transition from the old system to the new system.

I genuinely do not believe we will see these levels of increases going forward.

There were undoubtedly a glut of properties which were held back and that came to the market so that they could be reset.

I think that is clearly evidenced and the author references that in the report.

But of course, we are trying to address the underlying issue in terms of supply, but also in terms of public housing, social housing and affordable housing.

That is critical.

We delivered a record number of social housing last year, over 9,000 newly built social houses.

The programme for government sets out a target of 72,000 over the lifetime of this government.

We are putting record funding into housing.

And as I say,

issues such as the critical infrastructure bill, trying to fast-track infrastructure so that we can enable the further delivery of housing.

These are the kind of permanent solutions we are trying to put in place, David.

We also increased housing by 20% last year, which was a record increase in housing supply to over 36,000.

That's still short of the target.

If we can achieve similar levels this year, we are going to put ourselves well over the 40,000 mark so that we are working towards achieving the overall aim of the government.

over the lifetime of this government.

But it is all about increasing availability.

And as I say, the report highlights only 2,500 properties available.

That is the issue.

You are going to see increases until you address that issue.