Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said his Government is not concerned by yesterday's large anti-immigration protest in Dublin city centre, in which the housing crisis was repeatedly referenced.
He said: "I don’t accept the negativity from those who spoke yesterday in respect of where modern Ireland is today.
"The level of opportunity is far in excess of what previous generations experienced.."
Mr Martin said that housing is "the big social issue of our day" but added "we are focused on solutions".
He said: "I think it has to be based on ideas and policies, and we believe we have a stronger set of ideas than those articulated yesterday. "
Mr Martin added there had just been a General Election and "the ballot box is the key determinant of the organisation of society and who gets into Government".
Taoiseach determined to change triple lock
Meanwhile, the Taoiseach said he is determined to change the so-called triple lock which demands UN authorisation before Irish troops can be sent abroad.
Speaking at the Fianna Fáil 1916 commemoration at Arbour Hill Cemetery in Dublin, he said: "Ireland will continue to stand aside from military blocks, but we cannot stand aside from our international responsibilities."
He told the gathering: "There is absolutely no definition of neutrality which requires us to allow an aggressive imperial power like Russia to have a veto over when we can commit our troops to an international mission."
Referencing the Opposition, the Taoiseach said: "I know that some parties have decided that this will be their next priority in playing aggressive opposition."
However, he added: "But I will have no difficulty whatsoever in bringing to the democratic parliament of this republic a proposal to remove the aggressor's veto and restore the ability of Irish troops to continue their proud tradition of aiding the cause of peace and justice in the world."
