Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Does the Taoiseach have anything new to say or any legislation to offer in light of more news this morning of children unable to crawl or swallow due to being homeless, living in confined spaces and not having a natural chance of development, and the massive physical and mental damage the Government is doing to a whole generation of thousands of children? I have no confidence in the Minister and I will support the no-confidence motion next week, but I have no confidence in the policy either.

On Thursday, 5 December a march to the Dáil will take place. As Deputies, we have been asked to stay and debate policy, but we have done that already. The land is there and the money is available, but there is no political will. Last year local authorities built 1,181 houses. In the Taoiseach's constituency there are 90 acres of vacant land, but 200 kids will be spending their Christmas in bed and breakfast accommodation and hotels in Dublin West. We need a water charges or repeal-style movement to wake the Government out of its lethargy and lack of interest in working-class people who are suffering the brunt of this. While we debate-----

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