Jim Power: Housing is in crisis, but we still must spend wisely

There will always be the temptation to waste money — that is always a risk when the coffers are overflowing

Buying up social housing in an environment where there is a supply constraint, would just remove housing out of the other parts, and make matters worse. Increasing supply must be the priority. Picture: Joe Giddens/PA

The Department of Finance's draft stability programme update, which is prepared for the EU, makes for pleasant reading. 

Despite the justifiable concerns over the dramatic increases in interest rates, the Ukraine war, and the broadening of price pressures, the outlook for the Irish economy and Government finances is positive.