Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party) | Oireachtas source

How can this Government stand over the defunding of Cork City Council through the shutdown of the 2024 social housing acquisition programme, leaving 28 families, some of whom have elderly or disabled members and some of whom are living with young children with special needs, at immediate risk of homelessness? Under Circular 11/2025, the Department allocated just €20 million to Cork City Council despite a project need of €33 million. That is a shortfall of €13 million. This leaves uncertainty and possible homelessness for a number of people in the city the Taoiseach and I share. In 2024, over a third of homelessness prevention in Cork came from the tenant in situ scheme. That scheme has been absolutely fantastic, and I praise the Government for the work that has been done on it. However, the pause on new applications to the scheme will have a detrimental effect, particularly on the 28 families to which I refer. Will the Taoiseach speak to his housing tzar or his Minister and secure this €13 million for Cork City Council?

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