Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am obviously supporting Deputy Ó Broin's amendment. I am not sure whether there is a lack of understanding or people realise where Deputy Ó Broin is coming from on this issue. That is the crux of the problem.

When I first became a councillor in 2009, I thought the housing crisis was as bad as could get. Unfortunately, because of Covid-19, there is an unbelievable crisis in terms of family break-ups. Those who have contacted me include partners, parents, children and grandchildren. We are looking to provide an opportunity, and to give people a chance, with affordable housing and affordable cost rental. We have a crisis in social housing. Tens of thousands of people are on the waiting lists. We also have people trapped in the middle who are earning too much to be on social housing but cannot qualify for a mortgage. This is where affordable housing comes in. Deputy Ó Broin is trying to make affordable housing as affordable as possible. His whole point is to ensure that local authorities, approved housing bodies, housing co-ops, community housing trusts and non-profits are the vehicles that deliver it.

We are talking about allowing private developers in on this specific part.

Senator Fitzpatrick said earlier the political motivation behind this amendment was very clear. She was absolutely right; it is very clear. Deputy Ó Broin is trying to make affordable housing as affordable as possible.