Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are not going to do that, however, if we do not ramp up housing supply. We need to prioritise what we want as politicians and as a society. People want more housing, particularly for younger people, who need access to affordable rent and affordable houses. We are not going to give them that access if we object collectively, and if various parties object at council level, to various projects. It is about prioritisation and realising and accepting the scale of the crisis and acting on it.

On thalidomide, which Deputy Bacik raised, I met the thalidomide group recently with its legal representative. There is a legal process involving the Government and the Irish Thalidomide Association. We will continue to reflect on this matter. Certain presentations were made at the meeting. Over the years, there has been a significant Government response. There was compensation at the time that people felt they were bounced into or pressurised into accepting, but I hear what the Deputy is saying and will continue to reflect on the matter.

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