Varadkar defends housing policy as prices are 'substantially lower' than Celtic Tiger era

The Tánaiste came under fire in the Dáil for his remarks, with opposition TDs claiming he "simply doesn't get it".

The cost of houses and apartment rose 4.5% in the year to April, new CSO data shows.

House prices are "substantially lower" than they were 14 years ago - the problem is people cannot get mortgage approval, Leo Varadkar has said.

Questioned about the latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures which show the cost of apartments and houses rose by 4.5% in the year to April, the Tánaiste said property prices are still below Celtic Tiger levels.