Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

It is not a surprise that the Tánaiste rejects my criticisms on housing. We are all used to witnessing this kind of denial from the Government now. To say that I have not given any solutions is something we hear on a regular basis. Obviously in this Leaders' Questions slot I cannot give every single solution to the housing crisis. In my contribution I mentioned three things that could be done on vacancies, on the eviction ban and on affordable homes. It is clear the Tánaiste will never listen to the Opposition on these issues, or will only highlight something that has not been mentioned in the short speaking slot that I have.

What does the Tánaiste have to say to IBEC? It can hardly be described as Government critics or as housing activists or as some sort of left-wing fire brands and yet housing is now one of its main concerns. IBEC has said the State is losing out on new investment and new business because of housing constraints. In other words, there is nowhere for workers to live. IBEC, as a business lobby group, is highlighting the concerns of businesses. Unfortunately, there is no lobby group for children growing up in homelessness, or for young adults living in their childhood bedrooms, or for families who have lost hope of ever owning a modest home. Is this why they are so far down on Government priority lists?

The Tánaiste claims to have turned a corner on housing. Everything in his speech would swear that everything is rosy. Does this mean that for the first time the Government will actually deliver its targets on affordable homes? Does it mean the Government will spend its budget? What on earth does it actually mean for people who are looking at a notice to quit, who are facing homelessness and who are stuck in their childhood bedrooms?

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