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

I met the ombudsman recently regarding his report and we went through his recommendations. The Government is open on the question of a right to housing being enshrined in the Constitution. We want to ensure, however, that we follow the same type of process that led to the successful repeal of the eighth amendment and to marriage equality. As a result, this Oireachtas decided to refer that question to the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach, which is chaired by a Deputy from the Fianna Fáil party and not a Government Deputy. That process needs to come to a successful conclusion before the Oireachtas decides where we go from there.

It is worth noting, however, that a constitutional or legal right to housing in other countries has not ended the problem of homelessness. The real way to do that is through supply. That is why the Government is committed to increasing supply while also remaining open regarding the question of a right to housing being enshrined in the Constitution. A process is under way with the Oireachtas committee at the moment, however, and that has to be followed.

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