Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for choosing this Commencement matter and I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, for taking the time to come to the Chamber for this important Commencement matter.

I wish to begin by acknowledging the unprecedented challenges the Department has faced in recent times in respect of housing and supporting asylum seekers and beneficiaries of temporary protection. I am disappointed that neither the Minister, Deputy O’Gorman, nor the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, was available to take this matter this morning. I have written to the Minister, Deputy O’Gorman.I have not received anything back from him yet bar an acknowledgement on the particular issue that I am about to raise.

I am aware of the challenges around trying to source suitable accommodation for those entering our State. It is definitely a difficult situation. However, I believe residences within housing states should be off limits when it comes to suitable offerings. I am speaking in particular about an agreement that was recently entered into with a house owner in Pairc Mhuire in Newbridge. This residence will house 12 occupants.

The issue is not about the people who will be accommodated there. We all need a roof over our heads. Indeed, Newbridge is a very welcoming town and has already shown a strong welcome to those who have come to our town looking for accommodation and our support. However, I feel that this sets a precedent in terms of taking a house within an estate. Every one of us is very conscious of how difficult the housing market is at the moment. Even though more than 8,000 houses were built in Kildare over the last four years, there is still a lot of pressure on the housing market. On Daft.ie there are currently only seven houses for rent in Newbridge. It is difficult for working people with families to rent a place. We have a situation where an arm of the State is paying 20 times the going rate that I, my neighbour, my friend or my family member would pay if we are to believe the figures and I am desperately trying to get the accurate figures, which I have not received yet.

This is a huge problem. We already had a situation where Kildare County Council tried to buy existing buildings for the community and has been priced out of the market in terms of private buyers who have bought for the purpose of housing international protection applicants. I know that new policies have been put in place but it will take a while for them to come in. As I said, the reality is that there is no way that an ordinary working person or family can compete with the rent that IPAS pays. There is a real concern that these working people and working families will be totally excluded from the property market.

There is also a real fear that other house owners will go down this path in terms of being able to make a lot of money. Many of us are concerned. We need an assurance that IPAS will not aim to make custom and practice in renting from the private market in residential estates. I want reassurance on that.