Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The LDA offers an opportunity to deliver the affordable homes that we, including my generation, so desperately need. Once the Bill passes, the LDA will be given teeth and a budget, some €1.25 billion to be exact, with another €1.25 billion in borrowing capacity. This comes on top of the largest investment in housing in the history of the State, as announced by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, in budget 2021.

The LDA is our Government putting its money where its mouth is. That is in stark contrast to Sinn Féin's position on the LDA. Sinn Féin does not want even to try to amend the legislation. It just wants to vote it down. If you had been watching Sinn Féin in the Chamber over the past year, you would know this is not out of kilter or new. In fact, blind opposition for opposition's sake is very much Sinn Féin's modus operandi, except, of course, if its members are asked for their opinion on the Special Criminal Court. Then they go to ground and avoid having to make a tough call or a decision. Well, you know what? Making decisions are an important part of being in government. Leading, including on initiatives, and compromising on your position to deliver for the common good is another part of life in government. While it might not be surprising, it is disappointing to see how cynical Sinn Féin is being tonight by opposing this legislation without even attempting to amend it. This is blind opposition for opposition's sake.

The Bill is something I believe should be welcomed by parties of the left because it is about taking back power from developers, utilising land that has effectively been frozen by stagnation and delivering homes for people who need them. I welcome the Minister's commitment to delivering sites as soon as possible and getting people into affordable homes as quickly as possible. Housing was the number one issue in areas like Lucan, Clondalkin and Rathcoole in my constituency during the general election, including for people my age.

The largest roadblock to progress is often ideology. Please, support this Bill.

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