Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

With regard to overcrowded accommodation in the private rental sector, it is a particular area that will need more focus. With regard to homeless people, I am not just talking about rough sleepers but also about people who, despite supports and services being put in place currently, are spending a lot of their time, for whatever reason, on the streets and people who are being advised to cocoon but are not always doing so. Currently, they are at less of a risk because there are fewer people to come into contact with but as restrictions are lifted there will be many more people with whom they may come into contact. They will need particular attention.

With regard to public land, I am very familiar with the Central Mental Hospital as I used to live just up from it in Rosemount Estate, a fine example of public housing. What I argue for is not that there should not be an opportunity for people to purchase homes, of course there should be affordable housing, but it should be publicly built housing rather than handing it over to a private developer.

With regard to the housing assistance payment, has a new instruction been issued to local authorities to advise them not to issue arrears in respect of applications? If so, what arrangements have been made to speed up the processing of applications? What arrangements have been made to advise applicants of any change that has been made. It is welcome that the Minister recently noted there needs to be stronger regulation for short-term lets. What measures precisely does he propose? With regard to co-living, it is absolutely clear at this stage that there is no justification on public health grounds for a situation where 40 people could be sharing communal kitchen facilities. Will the Minister revise his position on co-living?

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