Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I wish to share time with Deputies Catherine Murphy and Cowley.

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to speak on this new legislation, the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2006. I commend Sinn Féin for bringing the Bill before the House, as housing is a significant issue for most people. It is an issue for our young, our disabled and our elderly.

I also wish to challenge the Government on its record, a disaster for most people. It seems to have decided to side with the developers instead of working people. I am here to demand action for our people, taxpayers and citizens. We need the 20% portion of social and affordable housing as a matter of urgency, a matter with which this Bill deals. I support this progressive legislation, as it gives our people a chance in the housing market.

The Government seems to be obsessed with the market and the economy, while turning its back on our people and citizens. Section 2 amends the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002 by restoring the original obligations which existed under the Planning and Development Act 2000 on developers to provide 20% of social and affordable housing. It does this by removing the option for developers to make a financial contribution to local authorities in place of providing social and affordable housing.

I urge everyone in this House partaking in the debate to support the rights of the disabled with regard to housing and long-term care in society. They must be a major part of any housing policy. This issue is a major part of my own political agenda. People with disabilities should not only have their proper share of the cake, but they should also run the bakery with regard to housing and long-term care accommodation. They deserve supports, our respect and to be part of this legislation. I urge all Deputies in the House, and the Minister of State in particular, to listen to the voice of the disabled, especially on the issue of housing.

I strongly support the Make Room Campaign, put together by a group of organisations working with the homeless. It is campaigning to ensure people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness will have their housing and support needs assessed and met. I support the campaign for an annual output of 10,000 new social housing units per year to help to prevent and alleviate homelessness.

We need measures like supported housing, care support and tenancy sustainment programmes to support people who have experienced homelessness. I am calling for changes in the rent supplement scheme so people on low incomes can be given more help with meeting their housing needs. We need new regulations of accommodation in the private rented sector covering basic standards such as safety, the provision of heating and cooking facilities and maintenance. I am also calling for a range of poverty-proofing measures and poverty prevention actions across areas of education, health and services, which could help prevent homelessness in the first instance.

In terms of housing, I urge the Minister of State and all Deputies not to forget our elderly. While maintaining people in their own homes is the preferred option of many of us, other options should be made available to older people to enable them to live in good quality accommodation suited to their needs.

The Government must wake up and increase the provision of supported housing for older people, and it should provide the revenue for appropriate supports and personnel to manage them. The Government should create a dedicated housing advice service for older people to help them manage their limited resources and explore the housing options available, such as home improvements, adaptations or moving to alternative accommodation.

I commend Sinn Féin for this excellent legislation. I urge all Deputies in the House to support it. Housing is a key issue for our people and they deserve our support.

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