Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I feel a sense of frustration when reading the witnesses' brief. The working group has met twice. It would be good for this committee to get an update on its work. Ms Neary spoke about fire safety certificates and disability access certificates and said dispensation and relaxation are also being developed. Everything is being developed but there is a housing supply crisis. We see the potential for stock all around our urban centres such as vacant premises over shops etc.

The brief raises many questions, for example, when is this, when will we get that, and why is this not happening when we are in a crisis? Deputy Cowen outlined his Bill this morning. It is something concrete and specific and it can be progressed quite quickly having regard to health and safety standards and compliance. We absolutely understand that. Homelessness on our streets and the demand for housing have grown almost exponentially in recent months. We know the document, Rebuilding Ireland, exists but we are not seeing urgent action. I do not feel a sense of urgency in the presentation today. Deputy Cowen has given us legislation that will move things more quickly. I have concerns about the efficiency of dealing with the housing and homelessness emergency we face.