Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I stand across the Chamber from the Government party that gave us austerity and billions lost and owed. The Minister might need reminding about the smaller figures, those living month to month and week to week, those who on a Thursday night might be checking their coat pockets for the surprise fiver or checking down the side of the sofa for the extra couple of euro because they are desperately saving for a home of their own. In north Kildare, a modest three-bedroom house costs between €350,000 and €380,000. One would be very lucky to find a three-bedroom house to rent for anything around €1,500. It is massive money for a home.

I use the word "home" because hubs pertain to travel and shelter is something we use for livestock. Humans need homes. Paying €380,000 for a home is too much for too many. Saving while paying €1,500 rent is impossible. It is crippling for young people who are trying to save for their first home. What does it say about how we value our workers and their children when they cannot afford a home of their own? What does it say about our belief in the right to a home? Do we believe that only the successful, the well-off, those with a partner and those with access to the bank of mammy and daddy can have a place to call home or do we believe that a home is not a consumer luxury available only to the lucky few but a public right to be believed in, fought for and established for all? I believe it is such a right because a home is not just a building or something to bequeath in a will. A home gives us agency and authority in our lives. It is about stability and putting down roots in ones community. Above all, an affordable home gives single people, families and people with disabilities privacy, hope and dignity. With Sinn Féin, change is coming. For now, the Government has political power. I hope it takes on board Sinn Féin's practical plan. We must beautiful build public housing that is worthy of our people and their ambitions.

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