Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I would like to speak about the parameters of the committee. While I agree that the housing and homelessness crisis is felt everywhere, I must point out that it is worse in some areas than in others. I argue that the constituency I represent is probably the worst homeless black spot in the country. I say this on the basis of figures, not anecdotes.

I want to comment on what has been said so far. The first thing the committee has to do is to declare that there is a housing emergency. The previous Government was reluctant to do this. The immediate focus in this emergency should be on stopping homelessness from increasing. It is clear from last month's figures that it is increasing. There was a threefold increase in January. I think there was an increase of 48% in some locations last month.

The committee must look at the emergency legislation needed. The Minister has told us that the Constitution is an impediment to the resolution of the issue. That is something with which the committee has to grapple. We need to stop people from being economically evicted and introduce proper rent controls. The issue of compulsory purchase order has to be placed on the agenda of the committee immediately. I refer to the distressed properties being acquired by vulture funds.

I have heard comments about already having proposals and not needing to reinvent the wheel. There is a danger in that. I am not sure what exactly was agreed at the meeting mentioned, but I emphasise that we need radical change because what was proposed previously has not been working. The committee has to come out and state there is a need for public house-building on a major scale. This would represent a radical change from the policy of the last Government and its predecessor.

The role of NAMA also needs to be discussed at the committee. There is widespread public concern about the way NAMA has been allowed to sell and build properties in certain areas. The people living in these areas who need homes cannot afford those being sold and built by NAMA.

I would like to conclude by suggesting we invite a new group on the scene to address the committee. I agree that we know what many other groups have already stated. Tenants in Tyrrelstown, Cork and other areas are in danger of being evicted from properties owned by vulture funds. I would like them to be brought in. We need to look at unique schemes to keep them in their houses. This could happen if the Government was to acquire them. Social housing is not the only solution in this context.