Latest: Taoiseach faces down criticism of rent figures in Ireland

Latest: The Taoiseach insists that rent pressure zones are working as new figures show the average rent nationwide, for new tenancies, now stands at €1,054.

Update 5.01pm: The Taoiseach has faced down criticism in the Dáil over the latest figures on the cost of renting in Ireland.

A Residential Tenancies Board survey shows the average rent nationwide stands at €1,054.