This month the Land Development Agency announced its latest cost-rental homes. These include one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments in Citywest here in Dublin. The rents range from almost €1,400 a month for a one-bedroom apartment to €1,800 a month for a three-bedroom one.

Under the rules of the cost-rental scheme, prospective tenants would need a gross income of €75,000 to access the one-bed and as high as €100,000 to access the three-bed. This means the thousands of people who earn too much to be eligible for social housing but less than €75,000 or €100,000 per year are effectively locked out of affordable cost rental. Cost rental must be affordable. That was always the policy of the Minister's party. Does he accept the rents being charged for these LDA apartments are not affordable, particularly for those who need them most? What will the Government do to bring down the cost of these rents?

One of the things the Government did was introduce the cost-rental equity loan scheme, recognising the high interest rate environment has changed the figures for cost rental regarding new building developments. We introduced that as a deliberate mechanism to support AHBs, in particular, to help reduce the cost. Cost rental is a fundamental and radical shift the Green Party in opposition committed to six or seven years ago and is now delivering in government. The key figure is the percentage reduction below the market rates. The other key characteristic of the cost-rental system is it is in the market. It is public and social housing but it is in the market. The critical thing is it brings overall market rents down by being in that market.

Are these rents affordable?

It is really difficult with the high interest rates. The Deputy could promise and not be able to deliver this magic money tree alternative.

Are they affordable, yes or no?