Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

-----and missed the dynamic between interlocking parts of the inner city. I support Deputy Micheál Martin's observations in that regard.

The Taoiseach mentioned improvements to the physical environment, which are welcome. There are some incredibly innovative approaches being taken. My particular favourite is called "city orchards", which is the use of derelict spaces for apple and pear trees and involves education as well as precinct improvements, all of which is good. However, the bottom line is that the main physical improvement that needs to happen in the north inner city, which I am proud to represent, is housing. May I mentioned the words "Ballybough House"? I could mention other blocks of flats. They are small, cramped and damp. I have placed on the record of the Dáil the fact that many families do not have a kitchen table because there is not room in their flats. They do not have a place where children can have meals together with their parents or do their obair bhaile. All of us who have families understand the disaster that that is.

This is all about housing. If we are not prepared to invest big in regeneration and housing, we will be at nothing in the north inner city.

See this speech in context