Fine Gael defends housing record at party conference saying 'their plans are working'

Michael Bolton

Fine Gael has been defending its record on housing at this weekend's party conference.

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe says he is hugely aware of the problems facing the country - and his own constituency in Dublin Central.

However, speaking from Saturday's special Fine Gael conference in County Kildare, Mr Donohoe says he believes the Government's plans are working.

"When we get to the end of this Government's mandate, despite the pandemic, despite having to shut down the construction sector to keep people safe, despite through the cost of living, the price of building a home has gone through the roof, and mortgage interest rates have gone up so much, we will still have at least two years, where we will build 30,000 homes. "

Also, high on the topic is issues in rural Ireland. Farmers are being reassured that the move to a greener economy will not undermine living standards in rural Ireland.

Mr Donohoe, says there are supports already available now, and he says these supports will continue to grow, as we move forward.

"We have the common agricultural plan, which is funded by ourselves and the European Union.

"That is worth up to €9.7 to €9.8 billion, up until 2027. Approximately a quarter of that is ring-fenced to provide payments to farmers, to allow them to make changes which they are making.

"They know thewy need to make them to protect our ecology and our future."