The Irish economy is in a strange position - we have strong employment and rising wages, yet many people feel under increasing pressure from housing costs and the tax system.

House prices continue to rise despite widespread agreement that they are unaffordable for many buyers, while the debate over whether middle-income workers are carrying too much of the tax burden is intensifying ahead of the Budget.

To look at the pressures facing households and the choices facing policymakers, Bobby's joined by Cliff Taylor, columnist with The Irish Times.