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?

Because the Social Democrats' amendments do not contemplate some of the points the Housing Commission makes. We need a diversity as regards investment when it comes to housing, and this Government has taken a number of steps, including-----

Where is the diversity?

The Deputy asked me a question; I am just trying to give him my answer. He can like it or not but I am just giving it to him. My answer is as follows: we have taken a number of measures when it comes to protecting homes and newly built homes, including on stamp duty and as regards planning permissions. We also need private investment, though, and rental properties, and we need to look at a diversity of supply. This Government has seen a very significant increase in the number of homes available to buy. That is a trajectory we want to continue on, and we published new housing targets, but there is also a role for private investment, and the Housing Commission itself says that.