Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill. I will just touch on a few points because there is a case I would like to refer to. Regarding the language change and inclusion of "alleviation of housing need" it is important to note such changes are to ensure AHBs are solving the housing crisis.

There are no plans, however, and no mention of how to build and deliver new affordable housing. In County Clare, we have got three affordable housing schemes over the line but we are struggling with the first one that was approved. I believe it was approved for ten and only three have so far got over the line.

I also point to the ineligibility issues around social housing. Incomes have increased, which has ensured some families are over the cut-off and, therefore, ineligible for any support by way of affordable housing. It is becoming such an issue that constituents of mine in County Clare have been on the waiting list for emergency accommodation for three months. There is no sign as to when space will be found for them. The system leaves many people unable to access supports.

I will mention the case of Magdalena, who reached out to me. She explained that an official notice to quit that was issued to her and her family will come into effect on 6 November. They have done everything they can but there is nowhere and no option for them to go to. They are a large family with five children. Her husband's income means they are over the threshold for social housing and any kind of housing assistance support. They do not qualify for a mortgage. The criteria are going against them because there are five children. They have tried every mortgage and property purchase help scheme. They have tried the cost-rental tenant in situscheme but their landlord is unwilling to sell. Here we are looking at this legislation but there is no solution coming forward for such a family. For the rental market, the family is deemed unsavoury because there are so many children and so on. There is also a rare genetic disorder involved and housing adaptations would need to be made. They have seen one private rental property, but when landlords hear all these conditions, they are no longer interested.

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