Simon Coveney says a lot but will he be there to see policy through?

It was a big deal, we were told in advance, writes Political Editor Daniel McConnell.

Simon Coveney was launching his latest plan to try and address the housing crisis and to show the world how important it was. Drinks and sandwiches were on offer.

The plan involves unlocking more than 800 sites across the country owned by local authorities and public bodies to the private market to help boost housing supply.