Dáil debates

Wednesday, 13 June 2018

12:25 pm

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

A year ago this week the Taoiseach took office and told us of his vision of a republic of opportunities. That anniversary coincides with a visit from the UN special rapporteur on adequate housing, Ms Leilani Farha. Ms Farha had one clear message, which is that Ireland is failing abysmally when it comes to housing. The Taoiseach speaks of the republic of opportunities but this morning, the Ombudsman for Children speaks of thousands of children being denied the most basic opportunities. The ombudsman described the position of almost 10,000 people in emergency accommodation, saying it was "shameful", which it is of course.

There are no opportunities for those struggling to keep a roof over their head and there are certainly no opportunities for those with no roof over their head. It is all about survival. I have no doubt the Taoiseach will point to the Rebuilding Ireland report but Ms Farha clearly pointed out the lack of a coherent housing strategy. The evidence of this has been stark and in the past four years alone, just 818 local authority were built, with 396 of those last year. This happens because Fine Gael's ideology is to focus most of its efforts on the private market approach.

A housing seminar hosted by the Simon Communities on Monday heard that, in total, the State had transferred over €1 billion to private landlords in housing supports. This is not a housing strategy but is a market-led approach designed to put the State at arm's distance from responsibility. We have not enshrined the right to housing either constitutionally or legislatively. It is not a far-fetched concept as 81 other countries have adopted the concept of a right to housing. It does not mean that everyone could demand a house but rather that the State would be obliged to create strategies that would develop housing in a way that ensures affordable and accessible opportunities available to all. It would change the narrative and the focus. Instead of housing being viewed as a commodity, the Government would recommend housing first and foremost as a home. This is not pie in the sky and Ms Farha is able to point to real working examples in countries and cities that have jumped on board with her recommendations. Barcelona is foremost among these with the Barcelona manifesto. Ms Farha has also worked in Portugal, which has implemented housing strategies that aim to eradicate homelessness by 2028. Meanwhile, we are continuing a path that has proven not only to be ineffective but damaging.

Does the Taoiseach accept that in the year since he took office, homelessness has worsened and housing has become increasingly inaccessible and unaffordable to both renters and potential purchasers? Has the Taoiseach considered a constitutional or statutory obligation for housing that may be necessary to address what is an unprecedented housing crisis in the country? Will he consider extending a formal State invitation to Ms Farha to visit in an official capacity and work with the Government to develop strategies that will prioritise the delivery of adequate and affordable housing for all?

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