A Cabinet minister is calling for mortgage rules introduced earlier this year to be looked at again.

It follows the release of figures today, showing the continuing trend of rising rents and a previous study showing that mortgage repayments are now often a cheaper option.

It has prompted fears that people are finding it harder to save for a deposit on a property because they are struggling to pay rent.

Environment Minister Alan Kelly says he has huge respect for the Central Bank - but it is a difficult situation for people who want to buy a home.

"Having said that, as somebody who's just recently past my 30s, I feel that these rules need to be looked at again, they need to be tweaked" he told Newstalk Breakfast.

"Certainly, that equation which you have just spoken about between rent and trying to save for a deposit is extremely difficult if not nigh impossible for many young couples or young people out there - especially if they're in the conurbation around Dublin" he added.

On increasing rent supplements, Mr Kelly told Breakfast this may not be the best option, due to some 'unscrupulous, immoral and unacceptable' landlords.

And the minister says he thinks a move by Dublin City Council to reduce its Local Property Tax by 15% is a mistake.

On Irish Water, Mr Kelly told Newstalk Breakfast the payment is not for water itself - but for infrastructure for clean water.