Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

The Governor then goes on in his report to refer to looking into the future and learning from the mistakes of the past. We are experiencing a terrible housing crisis. Many people cannot afford to buy a home and there is also a shortage of houses. How can the human right to a home ever be vindicated if there is an economic dictatorship dictated by bankers, lenders and large developers? Apparently, the political establishment is enthralled to them and they rule the roost. The Governor will probably be aware that it is 41 years since, not a raving revolutionary but a High Court judge, Mr. Justice Kenny, in a famous report said that speculation in building, land and housing should be outlawed. Why does the Governor never consider these measures rather than just the general kind of regulation which is not having a real affect for ordinary people?