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

Yesterday one of the Deputy's colleagues proposed a Private Members' Bill that talked about declaring an emergency and having that in place for three years. Why? It is because we cannot solve this overnight and it requires time. However, for the last two years we have been changing planning and procurement processes and we have been hiring more staff. As a result of the work that has gone in over the last two years, the supply of new homes is ramping up dramatically. That said, until we have those new homes, we will put in extra protections for renters, as we will with the Bill that is being brought forward and the regulations on short-term lettings. Of course, we will increase funding and support and services for those who are most vulnerable - people sleeping rough on our streets and families in emergency accommodation. That is what we did with the budget. That is where the money goes.

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