The Taoiseach told the Dáil earlier that housing commencements are up. Housing commencements are in fact down 14%. He also told the Dáil that the housing plan is working; however, all of the evidence shows that it is not. House prices and rents have never been so high. Homelessness has reached record levels. The number of people emigrating from the country because housing is unaffordable is increasing. There are hundreds of thousands of people stuck living in their parents’ homes in their 20s and 30s because housing is so unaffordable. Will the Taoiseach correct what he said on commencements? The numbers are, in fact, 14% down. Will he recognise that?

The year-on-year figures on commencements show commencements are up and the Deputy knows that. Housing completions and starts are up.

They are down 14%.

Housing starts are up and we will substantially exceed our target this year - even in a difficult year. That may not suit the Deputy. However, this Government is very serious about tackling the housing crisis. On affordability, every measure that we brought forward, such as help to buy and the first home scheme, that helps young people and renters buy their own home-----

The Minister does not think there is a housing emergency.

The Deputy opposed it and voted against-----

Does the Minister deny there is a housing emergency?

The Deputy voted against the Affordable Housing Act. We see alternatives from the Social Democrats and we are always open to looking at things that will work. This Government's plan is working and taking hold, even though there are very persistent and serious challenges that we are meeting on a weekly basis. As the Taoiseach said, this is our focus and the number one priority. The Deputy knows that this Government is fully committed to tackling this crisis.

The Minister is denying reality.

No one is denying anything.