Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Neither the Minister nor I have any problem in saying it is not enough because we know it ourselves and will keep doing more, but it is wrong to say we are doing nothing. It is not true and not honest.

I repeatedly heard Members who support the motion say the Government had to start a social housing plan, as if there was no plan. I have sat across the table from some of them and asked if they are aware of Rebuilding Ireland and that there is €6 billion available for that plan. Everyone in the House supported it. I accept that some wanted more, with which I have no problem, but everybody said 50,000 houses was the minimum number we should provide. That plan is in motion and delivering houses. Most stakeholders agreed two years ago when the process started that in some cases we would have to rely on the private sector in the short term, as we restarted the process of building social houses. Any sane person would accept this.

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