Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There are approximately 90,000 individuals and families on the housing waiting list nationally. If we are truthful with ourselves, we must accept there is going to be an avalanche of repossessions. This means the numbers on the waiting list are going to increase. The number of social housing units that will be built in the next year will only run into the hundreds. This will in no way be sufficient to meet requirements. We are going to be obliged to rely on private rented accommodation for a period until supply meets demand. I am of the view that said period will be of a significant length. The Minister is in government and she cannot consider this matter in the context of a silo-based approach. There is a need for a wide-ranging strategy in respect of housing. In the short term, the Government must change its approach to this matter, particularly as increasing numbers of families are finding it impossible to rent properties. Regardless of whether the Minister believes it, this is happening. Focus Ireland, the Simon Community and daft.iehave all indicted that it is happening. We cannot just keep denying what is taking place. The Government must take action to provide for the people to whom I refer.

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