Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Like some of the other Deputies, I raise the tenant in situ scheme. A recent motion passed by Dublin City Council, the second-largest democratic chamber in this country, asked for the previous tenant in situ scheme to be reintroduced. Not only have Dublin City Council and other councils around the country run out of funds, but there are changes in the system whereby a tenant in situ applicant must have been in receipt of HAP or RAS for two years prior to application. I am at a loss as to the public policy objective of that change. Surely, if somebody qualifies for social housing, he or she should qualify for the tenant in situ scheme. It is urgent. It is the only method of saving people from homelessness right now.

I also wish to raise the commitment in the programme for Government regarding modular homes, which Deputy O'Meara raised. We need to move this on with speed. I agree with some of the previous speakers - we cannot endlessly debate these things. We need the public consultation to be dealt with and truncated as quickly as possible and to get on with the policymaking and necessary legislation to bring in exemptions so that people can start planning and looking at designs, builds and delivery for young couples who cannot otherwise acquire housing on the market.

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