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

-----including students coming from abroad. That is an enforcement issue. I commend the council on taking action because it is dangerous. Lives could be lost in a situation like that if proper fire precautions and provisions are ignored and a fire certificate not issued. I was concerned when I read the article. I think the council is pursuing the issue and taking the necessary steps. That can happen at any time but that it happens in the context of a significant housing crisis is reprehensible.

On the broader question, we have the eviction ban in place for the winter. It is significant legislation. About 17 Bills have been passed in relation to housing in the last two and a half years, substantial numbers in terms of rent and rent restrictions, restricting increases in rent to 2% and extending rent pressure zones, RPZs, across the country.

On the in situissue, the Minister has made it clear to local authorities that they can and should buy houses where somebody risks being made homeless by the sale of that home. About 600, since the Minister contacted them, have so far been purchased or are in the process of being purchased. I spoke to the Minister again this morning about that and he reiterated it. The message is clear to local authorities that they can use resources to buy houses where houses are being sold and tenants could be left homeless. This is an important piece of work.

On social housing, this year we are on target between build, lease and acquisition, hopefully, to provide 10,000 social homes. That would be a high number.

See this speech in context