In the programme for Government, a commitment was given that affordable housing, in particular rented accommodation, would be pursued. Rents have never been higher in Dundalk and they show no sign of levelling off. It is getting to the point where it would be cheaper to repay a mortgage on a three-bedroom family home than it would be to rent it. This situation is unacceptable. I have no hidden agenda but I have promised my constituents that I would ask the Taoiseach this question. What measures is the Government taking to ensure that rents are affordable for those who are seeking a home and that the cost of new homes is within the reach of young families who are looking to get into the property market?

People are frustrated and are getting mixed messages. I promised my constituents that I would get the Taoiseach's message so I ask him to answer my questions.

I accept and I appreciate the Deputy raising what is a very important issue that I dealt with earlier in the House. Absolutely in terms of restrictions on rent increases, we want to continue with this. The Minister is examining how he can do whatever he can to keep increases to the lowest level possible and to protect from eviction tenants who have been affected by Covid in terms of their incomes or who are facing homelessness. In terms of affordable homes, a range of initiatives has been undertaken to make housing more affordable. The past ten months have been dominated by the Covid crisis, which has restricted some housing construction and has impacted our targets. We are providing unprecedented funding to get more houses built and to support affordable housing with a view to trying to make it affordable for younger people.

On behalf of the Rural Independent Group, I compliment and thank the Taoiseach for his observations yesterday on An Taisce with regard to the 100 high-end jobs and thousands of farm families. I am worried because the two Green Party Ministers of State came out and literally attacked the Taoiseach. I am worried about the comments made by the Minister, Deputy Ryan, at the launch of the OECD report on Monday with regard to removing the VAT exemptions on fertilisers and animal feeds as well as tax concessions on fuel used for farm operations. What will happen our farmers? We will end up with a crisis in agriculture such as what we have in housing if this madness is not stopped. The Taoiseach mentioned the climate change Bill. We are trying to amend it. It will have a devastating impact on rural Ireland and our ability to get food on the table. It will destroy our primary sector, which has taken us out of recession after recession. We need more reflections such as what we had yesterday. I would like to see some action taken against the Green Party Ministers of State who seem to have been picking at the Taoiseach because he was trying to get balance.

To be fair, I do not think anybody is picking on anybody. In my view we need sustainable farming into the future but it has to be sustainable and changes will have to happen in respect of issues regarding fertiliser, animal feed and how slurry is spread. Many interventions are happening and we can accelerate them. We need more environmental afforestation. Today, we will meet the Minister of State, Senator Hackett, and the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, on this issue and how we can support greater planting of native trees, which would have a beneficial impact on sustainability and on farms, and increase income supports for the farming community to protect biodiversity and enhance sustainability. For agriculture to survive it has to be sustainable and the consumers will be demanding products that are respectful of climate change and sustainability.