Labour has hit out over plans to introduce shared accommodation for young professionals.

Housing spokesperson, Jan O'Sullivan TD, raised concerns that the plan would lead to lowered standards of accommodation.

She said: "We need more detail on what exactly this type of arrangement would consist of. Are we talking about a shared bedsit type of situation or would it be more akin to student digs?

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"The reality is that sharing living and kitchen spaces with total strangers would likely only suit a small number of people.

"The London example cited by the Minister, on which it seems this plan is based, is also not cheap, with the average en suite room costing around €280 per week, or just over €1,000 a month.

"The majority of those in the target age-group are likely to be in entry-level jobs on relatively low pay, and would struggle to afford such prices.

"I am also concerned by the Minister's comments that the number of people living in this house share would be up to the designer or builder of the accommodation, as we don't want to see a situation where ten young people are sharing living and kitchen space."

(CD/LM)