Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question. As he may be aware, the eighth report of the Convention on the Constitution recommended that a range of economic and social rights, including the right to housing, should be inserted into the Constitution, subject to available resources. A motion to refer that report to the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach was passed by the Dáil on 28 September 2017 and by the Seanad on 11 October 2017. I look forward to the committee's deliberations on the matter in due course.

I have previously stated that the convention's proposal merits further thought and due and careful consideration, paying particular attention to the role of Government, rather than the courts, in deciding on the allocation of resources. I also firmly believe that the best way of ensuring that the State fully meets its obligations to those who need a home is through continued delivery on the ambitious programme of action set out in the Government's Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness and the development and implementation of further policies and measures, as required.

The significantly increased Exchequer investment in housing since 2016 is resulting in a substantial ramping up in social housing delivery and a consequential reduction in the numbers on housing waiting lists. The wider programme of actions being implemented is also resulting in considerable increases in the supply of housing in the market generally. This demonstrates how an unprecedented level of political and financial commitment can deliver housing supports on the ground for those who need them most, responding effectively to the housing needs of our most vulnerable citizens while positioning others in society to meet their housing needs themselves. The Government remains firmly focused on making the further progress necessary in this regard, irrespective of what transpires following the Oireachtas committee's consideration of the Convention on the Constitution's report.

See this speech in context