Fiach MacConghail (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Bacik's proposal to have a debate on commemorations at the appropriate time. We have had four or five debates on the commemoration, however, with no real, actual detail on the Government's plans. We want to avoid the debacle of the Limerick city of culture when funding was given very late in the day. The arts budget announced yesterday appears to be a stand-still budget except for a figure of €4 million which is set aside for commemorations.

When we invite the Minister to attend for a progressive discussion on commemoration, we need details. With just 18 months to go, the days of talking flamboyantly about what "commemoration" means are over.

I acknowledge the Government's decision yesterday to prioritise social housing and the homelessness crisis. I commend the Government, including the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Kelly, in this regard. As some Senators know, I recently made a public and private commitment to the tireless work of Fr. Peter McVerry and his trust. Eradicating the homelessness crisis by 2016 presents a major challenge. Ensuring the basic human right to shelter must be key for us all, never mind reclaiming a sense of dignity. Like Senator Hayden, I wish there was a mechanism for controlling spiralling rents, but the investment of €2.2 billion in social housing during the coming three years has provided the financial and political commitment that has been absent from social housing provision for many years. This is welcome.