Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak on this motion. While we are all aware of our current housing crisis, what is being done to relieve this ongoing problem? We spend so much of our time in the Dáil discussing housing, but I have had enough discussions on this matter. It is time now for the Government to deliver on its promises and stop believing the illusion that it is dealing with this crisis. We want real action taken now. Consider, for example, the Rebuilding Ireland scheme launched earlier this year. It seemed great on paper and certainly made the Government look like it was finally taking action. However, it was just another smokescreen behind which the Government could hide. The Rebuilding Ireland home loan could have made some difference to the housing crisis and helped get people on the property ladder. Instead it was launched without adequate resources on the ground to deal with the numbers of applicants. Figures in recent reports indicate that 50% of applicants are being rejected. This is outrageous.

I am blue in face from standing up in the House to ask the Government to deliver on promises it made in the programme for Government. The Government promised rural proofing during the talks for Government. Rural proofing is a commitment by the Government to review and examine all public policy to ensure it does not disadvantage rural areas. During the talks on forming a Government a rural resettlement scheme was discussed. Depopulation is a worrying trend in rural communities. Communities do not stand still. They either develop or decline as the housing crisis in our towns and cities worsens. There has never been a better time to actively promote the concept of rural resettlement.

I will cut my speech short to give other Deputies a chance to speak on the motion.

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