The Department of the Taoiseach research said the country faced a “conundrum” of needing skilled labour even as it added to pressures on housing and infrastructure

The research found that Ireland is outperforming Northern Ireland in most areas, including labour market trends, living standards, economic structures, education, health and overall well-being.

The advance outline was sent to one of Mr Harris’ advisers ahead of the Taoiseach’s appearance on the podcast in November, just days before the general election was called