Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)

I want to ask the Taoiseach about investment funds buying up apartments. A report published by the Department of Finance shows investment funds snapped up more than half of new-build apartments last year. A total of 6,203 apartments were bought up by investment funds, while just 846 apartments were available for individuals and families to buy. This is infuriating for the thousands of people struggling to find somewhere affordable to live. It is no wonder home ownership levels are at their lowest in more than 50 years. The Government voted down amendments put forward by the Social Democrats to ensure that at least 50% of new-build apartments would be ring-fenced for individuals and families to buy. Allowing homes to be hoovered up by funds drives up prices and drives down home ownership levels. Why did the Taoiseach vote down our amendments and why did he side with the funds and against individuals and families?

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