Ireland has the second-highest rate of emigration in the European Union, according to Eurostat. This is affecting such programmes as the affordable housing scheme, which holds that the owner must occupy the house. So what happens if the owner emigrates?

That depends. South Dublin County Council treats each case on its merits and deals directly with the owners. “We try to assist them in any way and demonstrate flexibility where possible,” said Billy Coman, the director of housing, social and community development.

Since last year Fingal County Council has allowed owners of affordable housing to rent out their homes if they are emigrating or moving to their parent’s house. If they sell the house at a profit after 10 years, however, they will have to pay a higher claw-back than they would have had to otherwise. Dublin City Council and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown said there have been no changes to their current schemes.