Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome our guests and thank them for their submissions, which we have read and considered. I will go to Professor O'Cinneide first. He mentioned that he was at a conference in May and he talked about affirming the right to housing as a fundamental entitlement. I fully agree with that. I believe we should have a constitutional provision for that right, but it then raises the issue of how that right is vindicated. That is empowering in itself. That is what it is all about and that sense of empowerment is the kernel of this. How can people vindicate their rights? It is empowering to the citizen and to the people. All of us in Ireland are very proud of our Constitution. Something is always being cited as being in the Constitution - which is the bible for us - and, therefore, it is good.

In his submission, Professor O'Cinneide states: "There are some reasons to be sceptical about constitutionalising social rights, such as the right to housing." He continues, "Rights rhetoric often does not translate over into effective action". He also states, "There are arguments for and against such a plan". What are the disadvantages? Will he list three disadvantages of a constitutional provision for housing?