Results 1,701-1,720 of 9,065 for speaker:James Browne

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Homeless Accommodation (15 May 2025)

James Browne: I thank Deputy Connolly for raising this very important issue. He has raised this matter with me on numerous occasions and he campaigned on it. The issue of child homelessness in particular is very dear to the Deputy's heart and it is also extremely important to me that we address this issue. The prevention of people going into homelessness is absolutely critical and that is what we are...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: The Deputy is comparing outturn from previous years to the funding we provided in May this year. The year is not over.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: Stop comparing the result at the end of one match to the score halfway through another.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: I am not blaming the councils.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Housing Provision (15 May 2025)

James Browne: I thank Deputy McGrath for raising the important issue around expectations for the delivery of affordable housing this year. I know it is a matter that is important to the Deputy. The Government is fully committed to delivering affordable housing at scale and continuing to accelerate housing supply across all tenures. In 2024, more than 7,000 affordable housing options were delivered...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Housing Provision (15 May 2025)

James Browne: I again thank the Deputy for his question. Housing is the number one priority for this Government, and that runs across all the different Departments. We have our Cabinet subcommittees where we work with the various Departments. In response to the increased demand as a result of a significant increase in population and economic demand being put on our grid, we have a plan in place, that...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: I thank Deputy Ó Broin for raising this important question about the tenant in situ scheme and housing first. Tenant in situ acquisitions have been an important measure in the prevention of homelessness since their introduction in 2023. The Government has therefore agreed to continue such acquisitions in 2025 and has increased the funding available for second-hand social...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: I thank the Deputy for his question. We have provided significant money for second-hand acquisitions for this year. The second-hand acquisition programme was always introduced as a temporary, short-term measure to deal with the ending of the eviction ban. Sinn Féin's own housing policy proposes a very sharp reduction in tenant in situ acquisitions to 800, far below what we have to...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: Then there is, as Sinn Féin proposes, the full-year reset the Deputy seems to be looking for for this year. The reality is that one engages in acquisitions, there is a significant overhang from last year, that will be worked out through this year, additional funding will be provided for next year and we will keep the matter under review.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: I have not misrepresented Sinn Féin's policy. Its policy is very clear. The policy I read referred to 1,800 houses reduced by 200 each year, down to 800, so Sinn Féin's policy is to significantly slash second-hand acquisitions. It is in black and white in its own policy.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: With respect, Deputy, I did not interrupt you. This is in Sinn Féin's own policy. We have looked at the scheme-----

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: You want to slash tenant in situ acquisitions down to 800. That is Sinn Féin's policy. You are now saying it is down to 1,000.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: Either way, it is a significant reduction.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: Deputy, do not try to-----

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: Stop shouting, Deputy.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: Deputy, stop shouting.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: You will not shout people down.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: Do not try to shout me down, all right, Deputy?

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: Show a little respect.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Local Authorities (15 May 2025)

James Browne: I know you do not like my answer, but shouting me down will not stop me giving it, okay, Deputy? The reality is that Sinn Féin's housing policy proposes to significantly reduce second-hand acquisitions. I suggest Deputy Gould read it. As to what we have done, in some local authorities, unfortunately, significant amounts of money have been used for refurbishment, €5 million...