Máire Devine (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

Most of this Government's housing policy has thrown renters around the country, and in particular in my area of the inner city and Dublin South-Central, under the bus. However, the peculiar decision to severely limit a successful programme, the tenant in situ programme, seems to be the Government driving the bus over my constituents. Why the Minister would cut the legs from under this popular programme, which has helped so many people, is a mystery.

I will tell the Minister of State about just a few of the constituents who have contacted me recently and would be massively helped by a fully funded and functioning tenant in situ scheme. One woman in the Liberties has lived in the same property for nearly 14 years. They only served a notice to quit and contacted DCC in November 2024 to offer the unit for tenant in situ. The tenant's position on the housing list is over 500, meaning it would take decades to place her. She said:

You will be well aware of the dire housing situation in Dublin. To find suitable accommodation is next to impossible. I am extremely concerned, desperate in fact. I find it hard to believe that after 14 years living, working, paying taxes in Dublin and being in the same apartment, my home, that it has come to this. Everything has stopped for me. I find myself paralysed with fear and anxiety and I am asking you for help. Please help.

Separately, a family of six in Crumlin face homelessness after 15 years in the property. They tell me:

The situation has placed an unbearable amount of stress on us all. Tragically, my husband has recently experienced cardiac issues directly caused by the pressure of anxiety of our housing crisis. This is no longer a housing issue. It has become a serious threat to our well-being.

They have applied for hundreds of houses but with no replies, with a notice to quit only a month away.

I want the Minister of State to answer one simple question. Why has the tenant in situ ceased? At face value, if a house in Crumlin is around the €400,000 mark, that will be paid back within 13 or 14 years. It will go back into the housing stock and, more importantly, it gives security to families and individuals. It protects communities and health and well-being. It prevents the trauma of homelessness and moving for children. It is, conversely, value for money. It is not rocket science, so I ask the Minister of State to please answer the question: why has tenant in situ ceased?

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