Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Farha for her presentation. Indeed, this morning I had the pleasure of attending a conference organised by Lorcan Sirr and supported by the RTB. I heard a number of thought provoking contributions, including one from Ms Farha.

I thank the Mercy Law Resource Centre for the report that it has published. I have read the report and it outlines the options that are available to us.

Deputy Ó Broin made a fair point. Recently I was appointed the housing spokesperson for my own party so I have looked at this matter with fresh eyes. Homelessness and housing is the biggest single challenge for this country and it is the biggest single blight on the State. Thankfully, everyone wants to resolve the matter. The idea that the finance committee would have total control over the matter and view it purely on the basis of the potential cost implications is not something that should continue. I personally believe that aspect should be reconsidered. I am particularly interested in the Scottish model. However, I do not rule out the constitutional option by way of a change to Bunreacht na hÉireann or a legislative change. I am also interested in hearing Ms Farha's preferred option. Clearly, she prefers a constitutional change. Any such change must be backed by legislation and I am interested in seeing how that would be implemented.

Ms Farha is a special rapporteur appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. From her experience, can she list the best applications from both ends of the socio-economic scale? Ireland is viewed as a wealthy country, although many people do not feel that it is.

I have a few questions for the Mercy Law Resource Centre. There has been a call for a whole-of-government approach and for housing-proofed legislation, particularly in terms of homelessness and suitable supports. What option does the delegation from the centre prefer? Do they prefer a constitutional or legislative change? As the centre is vested here in Ireland, what elements of best international practice would they choose for speedy implementing in Ireland? That is all for now but I shall ask supplementary questions later.