Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald raised the issue during Leaders’ Questions on Tuesday.

The Government is to exempt units up to 45 square metres in size in gardens at the back of people’s homes from requiring planning permission.

James Browne said the ‘final touches’ were being put on the plan.

The Central Bank predicted that the Government will miss its housing targets for the next three years.

Ireland's population growth is exceeding the pace of homes being built by almost four to one, according to a new study