The Finance Minister Michael Noonan has again backed the Central Bank mortgage rules, saying that earlier this year it "looked a bit scary" that another housing bubble was starting.

The rules mean those wanting to buy a house must come up with a deposit of 20% of the value.

Mr Noonan has told the Dáil that figures on mortgage lending continue to show increases in the amounts being borrowed for home ownership.

And he says while the rules are constantly being monitored, any review should not take place until the rules are in place for at least a year.