Dáil debates

Thursday, 8 July 2021

Affordable Housing Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

3:40 pm

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

I acknowledge the fact that, in fairness, there have up until now been differences of opinion in certain areas. This is a fundamental difference because it is about delivering affordable homes. I will stand over my position and others will stand over theirs. Deputy Boyd Barrett has a specific definition of what a public private partnership is that is actually not defined in this Bill. What his amendment would do is remove any avenue for private delivery.

I say to Deputy O'Callaghan that while I will not accept the amendments, I have accepted amendments and views from Second Stage. I have been open to improving the legislation. I acknowledge that we did not divide on the legislation on Second Stage nor did we in the Seanad. I hope it is the case that while there may be elements to it some do not agree with, the Dáil in unison can speak with one voice that affordable housing is important. While some Deputies believe their own views are more important than resolving the issue, it is important we bring in changes that will make a difference for our people.

The amendments, as tabled, would have a serious effect on the delivery of affordable homes and would restrict the options on delivery. Deputy O'Callaghan referenced a specific instance in Ballymastone, where effectively we are looking at 600 units, that is, 238 social, 238 affordable and 150 cost rental homes, which he and his colleagues opposed. While he said they should not apologise for that, I believe they should, to be honest with the Deputy. Hundreds of people there will get affordable homes through that scheme and they should.

I will not go on any further. This has been debated back and forth. Fundamentally, this Government wants delivery of affordable homes. The lead deliverer of that will be our local authorities, and in many instances they will need to partner. They will need private builders to come in and build for them. The Land Development Agency, LDA, is going to deliver affordable homes. A couple of Members in Opposition do not want it to build any houses. They cannot have it both ways. We either want to deliver homes for people - the minimum of 33,000 per year that we need - or we do not.

Accepting this amendment would restrict the delivery streams of affordable homes for purchase and affordable rental. I remind people this is the week of the very first cost rental homes being delivered within one year of this Government coming into place. It is the very first cost rental that has been discussed for years. Deputy O'Callaghan's former party, namely, the Labour Party, and his former colleague, Deputy Alan Kelly, announced a scheme in 2015. It is not even tenanted yet. We are delivering and getting it done. That is why I cannot accept these amendments.

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