The Taoiseach's been forced to deny claims that it's set to create yet another housing bubble.

The government's due to launch a major plan to kickstart the construction industry in the next hour.

The plan will include measures making it easier for first-time buyers to get mortgages to buy new homes.

But Enda Kenny's already being forced to defend the plan - saying he needs to help younger people get a foot on the property ladder:

However Fianna Fáil says the government's new plan to help first-time buyers is a pre-election gimmick.

Finance spokesman Michael McGrath says the scheme won't address the shortage of homes in the market: