Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for the amendments that have been tabled. For context, I remind Members, although I am sure they are well aware, that although there may be issues with different perspectives, this is the most comprehensive affordable housing legislation ever published. One of the Deputies said it is scant on detail, but I ask him to compare it with any other affordable housing proposals, let alone legislation or Bills, that have been published over a long number of years. I am absolutely confident it will work.

In getting to this Stage we have taken on board views of colleagues both from within the Government and the Opposition. I ask Deputies to look at this Bill from a positive perspective. I meet and speak to young and not so young people who have not been able to own their homes at an affordable rate or rent at an affordable rate with a secure tenure. Within the space of just a year, we will conclude the most comprehensive affordable housing legislation ever put forward by any government. That is action because I want to provide a path forward for home ownership at an affordable rate and for cost rental at scale. Coincidentally, just yesterday we opened the first 25 cost rental homes.

I want to discuss regulations as they are relevant to the tabled amendments. The regulations for eligibility for both cost rental and affordable purchase will be published well in advance of homes being occupied. Regulations will also ensure there is greater flexibility to move forward and make changes where appropriate. Deputies would be aware of this.

To deal with the amendments, the effect of the proposed amendments to section 3 would be to require that all regulations made by the Minister under this part have the approval of both Houses. I genuinely think this is unnecessary and it would add considerable time to the making of such regulations. Affordability is an urgent issue, and although some people might want to debate this back and forth, year on year, as they do with colleagues in council chambers, I want to see changes implemented. I do not want to see continued objections to affordable purchase or rental and social homes all over the country. I want to see a national scheme put in place, which is what this is.

The debate has been constructive until now, in fairness, and people have put forward their views. I respect that. It is now time to get on with the job and pass the legislation. If people support affordable housing and purchase and the idea of home ownership for our people, especially young people and working people, they should support the Bill. If they support cost rental and affordable housing, they will support this Bill. Now is the time for people to make up their minds on this.

If the regulations had to come before the Houses of the Oireachtas every time they had to be published, it would add considerable time to the process. I am sure Deputies Boyd Barrett and O'Callaghan and their colleagues know that regulations must be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and a resolution annulling them can be passed by either House within the following 21 days. It is factual to say the Oireachtas retains full democratic control with respect to regulations made under this Act. I consider that this is sufficient and appropriate and I do not propose to accept either of these amendments.

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