Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Social Democrats I want to acknowledge the passing of David Davin-Power. Our thoughts are with his colleagues, his family and his friends at this time.

The Cabinet finally agreed to increase the housing targets. The housing Minister was supposed to do this back in 2023. Two years late and 48 hours out from the election, he finally gets around to doing it. People can make up their own minds about the cynical way this Government is doing business. I want to know how many of these homes in these revised targets will be affordable. Will the Government be clear about that because it has missed its inadequate social and affordable housing targets every single year. Meanwhile, house prices are in the stratosphere. Since this Government took office, the price of an average home has increased by €85,000. That is more than €20,000 per year.

Is it any wonder that more than half a million adults are living in their childhood bedrooms or that home ownership rates have collapsed to a record low? Can the Taoiseach tell us therefore what portion of the overall housing targets announced today will be affordable homes and homes that people on average incomes can actually buy?

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