Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

In advance of the new housing plan in the coming month or so, I stress again the importance of increasing our affordable housing targets. There must be a rebalancing towards affordable housing in the plan's targets. I have made the point previously to the Taoiseach that there is a growing cohort of individuals and couples who need support but are not receiving any. Their incomes are above the social housing threshold but are well below what they need in terms of providing accommodation, whether by purchase or rental. They are individuals and couples who have incomes of up to €70,000 or €80,000 but who are not in a position to secure accommodation. They need support. We must meet in the middle in terms of those who qualify for social housing and those who need affordable housing supports. I reiterate the importance of increasing our affordable targets significantly in the new plan. I know the Taoiseach is committed to doing so ,but it is important to continue to highlight the point at every opportunity.

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