Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

It is extraordinary that the Tánaiste did not seem to be aware of this happening right under his nose. Two weeks ago, he denied this was the case or that any action was needed. Yesterday, the Taoiseach also seemed to be taken by surprised by this.

This evening, the Dáil will debate Second Stage of the Social Democrats Bill to help end the practice of the State entering into long-term leasing deals with developers and institutional investors instead of building and purchasing social and affordable homes. That is happening but the Taoiseach again seemed to be unaware of this yesterday. We are proceeding with this Bill because, unlike the Government, we recognise there is a serious problem that must be urgently addressed. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael thought the people would be thrilled when they published their affordable housing Bill and saw €450,000 as the price of an affordable house. The Tánaiste is so out of touch if he thinks that is the case. Prices of €450,000 for a house or €500,000 for an apartment are not affordable by any means.

The Taoiseach told us yesterday he would take action on this. I ask the Tánaiste to spell out if he will support our Bill this evening by introducing the measures in it as a matter of urgency and not simply paying lip service to it.

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