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

This question demonstrates Sinn Féin's priorities in housing. It gets two priority questions every six weeks, and it did not ask about rent, homelessness, affordable housing or building capacity in the construction sector but has raised this non-issue. It has done so, and deems it as important, because it wants to create a controversy and sow discontent. It wants to put its own sinister, disingenuous slant on this. The tactic is reprehensible. I watched the party leader earlier in the week and the attitude she had on this, trying to create this issue that does not exist. It is dishonest and the Deputy knows it is.

That is irrelevant, however. Why let the facts get in the way of a good story? The Deputy should be better than this. He should be honest with people. He has a responsibility as a Deputy and legislator but his priority is to raise a non-issue to create a controversy. As he knows, I have no plans to attend any of the proposed events he referenced. The action in Housing for All relates to ensuring there is investment in the Irish property market. Ironically, the Deputy's party leader said Ireland should be open for investment. What does he want? We are investing €4 billion a year through Housing for All, which is €1.2 billion more than the Deputy's party proposed in its 12-page submission to the strategy. Where will the rest of the capital come from?

I have no plans to attend any such proposed events. Perhaps we can get onto some real issues.

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