Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

This is, of course, the correct interpretation. It is no wonder the Government is so reluctant to take on the developers. The housing market is going along nicely and the rate of building is up, but this is little consolation to the many people who cannot afford to buy the houses that are being built.

The amendment refers to the Government's "continuing to develop measures to address affordability and progressing the commitment under Sustaining Progress". These are statements about doing nothing. The turning of a sod is a similar gesture. It is just electioneering. We need action. The Government must take on the developers and build badly needed social and affordable housing itself.

The Minister of State thanked the Labour Party for giving him an opportunity to outline his so-called progress to the electorate but at the same time he was very dismissive of the housing problem. I hope the electorate sees this for what it is. It is talk and not much more. The Government is denying many young people the basic right to provide a roof over their heads.

I hope the electorate will, in the words of my draft motion, evict the Government from office for its failure to address the housing problem.

Amendment put.