The Irish Home Builders Association (IHBA) has criticised comments by the vice-president of SIPTU, Mr Des Geraghty, about the level of profits being made by builders.

Mr Geraghty's claim that builders are "profiteering in a rigged and captive market" were described as scandalous, by the IHBA yesterday.

"The very profits he is attacking have enabled our industry to provide lucrative employment for many members of his own union," said a spokesman.

The association said Mr Geraghty should "re-direct his concerns to the totally inadequate supply of serviced house building land available in Dublin and other areas of the country".