Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her reply and compliment her on the work she has done to date in identifying the problem. However, I would emphasise that the problem is so serious now that it will not go away. It will explode into a serious social issue which we have not contemplated. There are a large number of families in certain circumstances who are unable to source a house. We now have large families attempting to access two-bedroom accommodation units, which is crazy.

I appeal to the Minister that this matter be dealt with at the highest level, which I know is happening, and an emphasis be placed on the urgent need to meet the housing requirements of the kind of families to which I and other Members have referred. This is a serious issue, the like of which I have not dealt with before in my time in public life.

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