Ivana Bacik (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, back to the House after what felt like a very short break. I express my support and that of the Labour Party group for Senator Warfield's amendment No. 10. Language is very important in the Bill. I listened with great interest to the debate and to the comments of Senators from the Government parties such as Senator Pauline O'Reilly and Senator Seery Kearney. They rightly expressed discomfort at the language in the Bill in section 6(4)(a). The phrase "persons of different social backgrounds" does not sit well with me either. Language is hugely important. Before the break we spoke about using the word "home" rather than "house" which is a really important issue as well.

When one looks at the provisions of section 6, one sees that there is a much more positive use of language in section 6(4)(b), which talks about ensuring "a mixture of dwelling types". That is promoting a mixture of dwelling types rather than seeking to counteract segregation between persons of different social backgrounds. The current language is very negative. Senator Warfield's proposition that we would substitute "promote sustainable mixed income communities” is a far more positive way of expressing the same sentiment. Clearly, we are all in agreement. As Senator Warfield pointed out, this is an amendment on which there could well be cross-party agreement. Perhaps his wording is not the most elegant either, but all of us would agree that it is better than what is currently in the Government Bill. I hope the Minister of State sees fit, if not to accept this better wording, at least to commit to come back on Report Stage with something that seeks to express the same aspiration but in a more positive way, one that does not have this somewhat uncomfortable aspect that we currently see in the phrasing used in this section. One might say this is not important.It is important. Language is important in the Bill and language is very important to those who are priced out of being able to rent or buy affordable homes of their own. This is important and I express the support of the Labour Party for it.