Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Bill as another step the Government is taking to give a helping hand to people who want to purchase a home for their family. It is an important part of the Government's plan to increase our housing stock by providing affordable housing. Getting on the first step is the hardest part of getting on the property ladder. Any action we can take as legislators will be welcomed by those wishing to have a home they can call their own. This Bill is only one of many more steps that are needed as part of a multifaceted approach to increasing our housing stock and regenerating sustainable communities. The Clare county manager recently cited the lack of sewage facilities and capacity in certain areas throughout the county, which is having a negative impact on those communities. Those types of deficiencies must be addressed if we are to reintegrate rural communities. We need to bring forward a scheme to resolve that particular issue. I acknowledge the Minister is working on such a scheme and I hope he will bring his proposals to conclusion soon. He needs to address that issue in tandem with progressive measures such as this Bill.

There are more than 3,000 people on the housing list in my constituency of Clare, all of whom are seeking a home they can call their own. The housing lists include people in a range of different circumstances, including those who will seek affordable housing under this Bill. We, as legislators, need to see greater detail on which type of housing people on the lists are seeking and their present housing circumstances. We need more affordable housing options for families across Ireland. We need to build a better social mix and integration into our housing developments. We cannot leave middle Ireland behind and that is why I strongly support this Bill and the policy proposals contained within it. The Minister must keep his options open regarding the delivery of quality units and the scale of those developments. One size does not fit all. I look forward to seeing the rest of the proposals he brings forward as part of a new housing policy solution that will provide affordable housing for all in our communities. I reiterate my support for the Bill and commend the Minister and his officials on bringing it before the House.

See this speech in context