Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

-----and alleviate the issue in respect of housing.

We have repeatedly stated that the most effective way of getting people off the homelessness and housing lists is to ensure a greater supply of housing in our society, and available housing. Although the Deputy can criticise the Government for the amount, we have stated that this is our commitment. When you look at the figures produced, you can see definite progress in respect of it. Between July 2020 and the end of quarter 1 of 2025, 48,939 social homes were added to the social housing stock. That is a very significant number and cannot be ignored. Also, more than 13,100 homes were brought back into use under the voids programme. The Deputy will know from having been a TD for the city of Dublin that there are too many voids in Dublin, which means houses unused. We need to get them back into operation so families can get back into them. The years 2023 and 2024 saw the delivery of newly built social housing reach levels not seen since the 1970s, with almost 16,000 social homes built over those two years.

We are aware, and I am sure the Deputy is also, that our population is increasing very significantly. The population increased in the 12 months up to April 2024 by 98,000. This is putting huge pressures on the system. We have to recognise that although the Government is making a considerable effort and getting a lot of social housing developed, there will be issues because of the population rise.

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