Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, has taken this issue in hand and is actively pursuing it. She will report to Government on what is required in due course. There is a national challenge to be faced in his regard. We have had a complete stagnation in the construction sector for some time because of the general collapse in the housing market. Everybody has a responsibility in this matter, from local authorities, through the Department, Government and the various agencies. The Minister of State is overseeing all of that and when she reports to Cabinet, we will decide how we can act most effectively to address the challenges. Had we unlimited resources and a thriving construction sector, the problem might not be as great as it is. Nobody wants to see families living in one-bedroom apartments or in bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation, as happened in the Deputy's constituency when residents of Priory Hall had to be evacuated as a matter of urgency. We are taking steps to deal with the issues.

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