Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Since the Minister took office, almost €1 billion allocated to the housing budget has not been spent. This was money that could, and should, have been used to build social and affordable homes. The measures that he announced recently, involving the spending of €1 billion, included more subsidies and handing over of public money to private developers, including the waiving of development levies. Subsidies to developers have increased and their profits have soared. Since the Minister took office, the profits of the largest developers in Ireland have quadrupled. At the same time, house prices have reached record levels. Why has the Minister not acted to ensure that the waiving of development levies is passed on to people and housing becomes more affordable?

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