WHAT THE HOUSING MINISTER SAYS

In 2017, over 17,500 new homes commenced construction… an increase of 33% on 2016.

Over 19,000 homes were connected to the ESB network…an increase of more than 29% on 2016.

Planning permissions granted for more than 18,000 new homes.

The target for Housing Assistance Payments of 15,000 was exceeded by nearly 3,000, with 17,916 new HAP tenancies established in 2017.