Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Opposition parties have taken an absolutist position that it is one type of housing or nothing. In the crisis in which we are currently find ourselves, we must build far more houses than we have been over the last number of years. That will take a variety of initiatives and approaches. I have no objection to any type of approach, by the way. I believe in a very strong social housing programme and always have done because, historically, my party always built substantial social housing. It was a raison d'êtrefor the party in the 1930s and right through the 1960s and 1970s. I believe passionately in providing social housing for people and I am determined that we do it. However, I am also determined to provided for those who wish to be able to afford to buy their own homes.

I am not interested in the ideological battles on the margins that the Deputy consistently wants to focus on. I am interested in the bricks and mortar of this and in getting things done and not just objecting every time there is a chance to do so. As a result of the latter, we are not getting projects that are shovel-ready off the ground. The Deputy always has that cosy comfort zone whereby he spouts out the ideological stuff but he is found wanting when it comes down to the ground and to votes on projects. I have been on councils too and have seen this time and time again. It is always only one half of those involved who will vote for the projects and take the difficulties and challenges that come with that.

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