Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am listening to the debate and I am confused. Perhaps I am missing something and maybe I am wrong, but I think we are creating an extra layer in the provision of housing. If houses are coming onto the market, why are the local authorities and the housing associations not purchasing them directly? Is it the case that these investment or pension funds are tied up in the finance of the construction of the houses? Why can we not go in there and buy them?

I have a concern about leasing houses for 25 years. That is a generation. Where do the houses end up after the 25 years? Where do the families in those houses end up after the 25 years? Perhaps there is a communication issue, but I would just like to know why we cannot get into the market and purchase those houses to create housing immediately for people who need it rather than having to bring in another layer to provide the houses to a housing association through the Department.

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