Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

What proof does the Minister of State have that there is a demand for this type of shared accommodation, other than the case being made by developers? This type of shared accommodation is basically student accommodation for adults. A recent survey found that adults do not want to share accommodation when they reach the age of 25 years to 30 years. Professionals, building works, clerical workers, bank officials and so forth want live in their own accommodation. They do not want to share accommodation but to accommodation that allows them to live independently. I have not seen any factual studies or know of any demand for so-called shared living. It is popular at the upper echelons, so to speak, among people who may work in New York or London from Monday to Friday and travel home to their country residence for the weekend. There is no great demand for shared accommodation, yet the Government is proposing to provide for in planning legislation.

The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government repeatedly states that decisions will be evidence based. Where is the evidence of demand for shared accommodation? Is it what the developers who have been knocking on the doors of the Customs House want? The profits from this type of accommodation would be very good but I am not sure people in our cities want to live in shared accommodation for the foreseeable future.

I object to the amendments. If the Minister or Minister of State has proof, based on studies and in-depth research, that shared living is badly needed in our cities and towns, let him put the evidence on the table and let me read it. I will then support the measures but, as yet, I have not seen any proof for these assertions.