The Environment Minister is being accused of "knowingly" overstating the number of homes the Government plans to build under its housing strategy.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment Barry Cowen TD confirmed emails between the Departments of Environment and Finance admit that the Government has been "spinning" the figures.

Deputy Cowen commented: "This government has been obsessed with spin since they were elected in 2011. Now this culture appears to be seeping into the civil service. This is a very serious development and needs to be addressed at Secretary General level. There has always been a proud history within the Irish civil service of being apolitical and this should not be allowed to change under this government.

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"Reports today confirm an email was sent from one senior civil servant to another in Minister Alan Kelly’s department. It states "we have been spinning" that there is sufficient land with planning permission for 46,000 units across Dublin, before revealing that "the reality" is that the real figure is closer to 30,000 units."

Fianna Fáil is calling on the Environment Minister to explain why he promised 46,000 units for Dublin when there was only planning permission for 30,000 units.

(CD/IT)