Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. The issue, of course, as we all know, is supply. The only way to address all the issues is to increase supply and the Government has been doing that. Over 32,000 housing units have commenced in the first five months of 2024. That is around the same number as in the whole of 2023. Some 500 individuals or couples are buying their first home every single week, which is also the highest first-time buyer activity since the property crash. No option is off the table when it comes to housing. We are in the business of looking for more ideas, more novel approaches and more innovative ways to continue to increase supply. When it comes to house prices the most important indicator is how house prices compare with people's incomes, and that remains relatively stable. That is why 500 families are buying their first home every single week.

The Deputy mentioned the cost rental tenant in situ scheme. It allows tenants to continue to reside in the property with the ultimate aim of transitioning these properties and tenants to the standard cost rental framework over the longer term.

Some 97 properties have had bids accepted or have been acquired to the end of quarter 4 of 2023 since the launch of the scheme on 1 April 2023. The Department continues to work with local authorities to ensure that there is sufficient capacity in emergency accommodation. There is a lot happening there but we are seeing the results.

The Deputy mentioned homelessness. I know the figures are out at the end of this week and we know that there are too many people and too many children in emergency accommodation. However, context is important. Families become homeless all the time for various reasons and the most common reason is relationship breakdown. We can never stop that from occurring but we will continue to help families to avoid entering emergency accommodation and help them exit as soon as possible if they do.

It is important to say that when we talk about homeless families, they are not living on the street. The State is providing these families with accommodation and it is something we continue to work on. We are making progress, there is no doubt about that, and we accept there is more to be done. We will continue to work hard with the schemes we have in place. No stone will be left unturned with regard to housing, and I have to say, the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, is working extremely hard and effectively on this issue.

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