Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am going to say the following not only because I am sitting across from the Minister and we are in different political parties, one of which is in government and the other is not. I was elected for the first time in 2014, which is eight years ago. To be perfectly honest, I have never seen the housing crisis in Galway as bad as it is now. There was a time when housing was coming on stream but we are not seeing that at the moment. There has for years been talk about affordable housing but it looks as if that housing will not come on stream until 2024. Many people attend my office. We all know about the significant pressure on emergency accommodation at the moment. Not all people have the option to go to their family home or parents. In many cases, the parents' homes are totally overcrowded and it would be unacceptable for their children to move in.

The Minister referenced Housing for All and spoke about the difficulties and all of that. I have never seen the situation as bad as it is now. I am very worried. People are attending my office and I have no suggestion to give them because nothing can be done. It is important to say that and I would feel bad if I did not say it. The Minister has quoted figures about what will be done. It is important that the Minister is acutely aware of the massive pressure people in Galway are under in respect of housing now.