Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have no personal gripe with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, but we have serious problems in Kerry. I have highlighted them several times already. There are 171 voids in County Kerry. That is not acceptable. The homeless centre that operated for years in Killarney has closed down because the Government has offered people €800 tax-free per month to house Ukrainians and refugees. That is €1,600 with tax. There are homeless people in Kerry. Did the Minister ever consider putting them in hotels? The Government has no problem with putting the members of other communities in hotels. There is no affordable home programme in Kerry. The Minister should not be shaking his head. There is no affordable home programme for Kerry, which other counties have for the next five years. The vacant property tax the Government tells us will compel people to sell their land is affecting farmers who cannot sell it. The Government is closing down airbnbs. It will not let people do what they democratically have a right to do - to rent their house to whoever they want.

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