Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response and for being proactive on this issue. I am pleased she is so aware of the difficulties that exist. We must incentivise private landlords to remain engaged with local authorities so that a crisis does not develop.

Many young people who are setting out in life, who may have just got their first job and are trying to establish a family home often find they cannot afford to rent accommodation. They may be a little over the income limit for rent allowance and in danger of becoming homeless. This situation seems crazy when there are so many vacant houses. Will those houses be delivered to local authorities? I hate to think we will continue into the future unable to match our housing stock to our housing needs. Housing policy must be based on housing need.

I thank the Minister of State. I am pleased with her answer and I am delighted to hear she will proceed with this.

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