James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for affording me the opportunity to speak on this important Bill. I welcome the opportunity to do so.

As public representatives we see every day the growing and changing demands for housing supports. We need a system of housing supports that is more efficient, effective and coherent to better serve people’s needs. The Bill is a key step in the right direction.

Early enactment is essential to enable the housing assistance scheme to be rolled out throughout the country without delay. This is probably the most important part of the Bill. This new scheme is aimed at reforming social housing payments and is targeted at people who have been on rent supplement schemes for more than 18 months. Tenants will source private accommodation themselves, with rent to be paid directly to landlords by the council. An important advantage of the scheme will allow tenants to work without losing their rent supplement. Instead an adjustment will be made to the payment taking the tenant's income into account.

Tackling substandard housing and privately rented accommodation is a priority for me and I firmly believe we should have access to secure, quality and affordable housing.

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