Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for proposing this motion. I welcome the fact that Members have raised the issue of housing and homelessness once again, ensuring this important topic can be discussed tonight. Homelessness and housing are top of my and the Government’s agenda. Every day I am working with my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Coffey, to deliver real and tangible solutions for the people. Yesterday, we hosted a homeless forum attended by representatives from the NGO, non-governmental organisation, sector, the main purpose of which was to examine the winter preparations for homeless individuals and families. It was also an opportunity to discuss the broader, challenging homelessness issues. It was a good, encouraging and frank debate.

The challenges of homelessness are complex and require multiple solutions. The Government continues to apply the resources of the State to meet the various challenges. Anyone who believes that this can be solved with one single initiative, approach or policy change does not understand housing. One has to understand the link between trends in the housing market, economic growth and employment levels, as well as the recent state of the public finances. I call on the Opposition to offer more than blame, but I am doubtful that call will be heard.

See this speech in context