Updated 10.45

Rent supplements are to be increased for some families in Dublin, judged to be at risk of homelessness.

The short-term increase is to help families avoid eviction from their homes.

It is a joint initiative by the four local authorities.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Christy Burke is welcoming the plan:

Social Justice Ireland has warned the government the housing crisis could become a "disaster" unless it significantly changes direction.

The National Economic and Social Council says social housing rents should reflect costs rather than market rates - and it calls for low-cost finance to be provided for new housing institutions.

Speaking at the launch of the NESC's new report on housing, Social Justice Ireland's Dr Sean Healy warned action must be taken:The Council says NAMA could be asked to make a greater contribution.

It calls for a "cost-based" approach to social housing rents - free from property market pressures; as well as new housing institutions.

NESC Director Rory O'Donnell says NAMA is contributing to the current strategy but argues it could do more if the Government changed tact:

Meanwhile, latest official data confirms a two-tier rental market has emerged in Ireland.

Average private sector rents in Dublin are steadily rising, but outside the capital, the market is seeing far less growth.

The latest quarterly rent index is compiled by the ESRI, with data supplied to the Private Residential Tenancies Board.

Anne Marie Caulfield, Director of the PRTB, explains the patterns: