Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I entirely reject the motion of no confidence that has been placed in the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, and instead express my full confidence in him. All that has been on display this evening is the repugnant attitude of Sinn Féin that would have it think that it is the only party that cares about homeless people, people who are worried about how they will make their next rent payment and people who are worried about their future and if they will have a roof over their head. No party in Dáil Éireann has a monopoly on compassion. No party in Dáil Éireann has a right to claim that it is the only party that understands the needs of those who are most vulnerable.

What the Minister has done in his time in office is to steadily address a complex issue that has searing social and personal consequences for citizens. As a result of his actions we are seeing more homes being built and more planning permission being given. We are seeing housing hubs being delivered and we are seeing those who would face the trauma of being homeless being offered solutions that can make a difference to their lives. Under his leadership in the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government we are seeing him deliver a plan which can and is making a difference.

Of course the Minister and all of us on the Government benches acknowledge that more needs to be done and of course we hear the cries of those who worry about their future. However, the way we will respond to that is the same way that this Government responded to the economic crisis and the same way we have responded to many difficulties that Sinn Féin claimed were impractical and that no progress could ever be made on. We will make progress on them step by step and week by week and in so doing we will offer real solutions to citizens as opposed to insulting them, using their anxiety and using their worries about their futures for political gain. All that Sinn Féin cares about in this motion is Sinn Féin. All that the Minister and the Government think about in our efforts is to try to provide homes, to deal with the scourge of homelessness and ensure that the citizens who need help and support are given it.

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