Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The amendment proposes a 35% cap on what can be charged for affordable housing with regard to an applicant's net income. If people are paying over this amount each month to have a roof over their heads it is simply not affordable. I refer to the Minister's reference to the affordable bands and the suggestion of €450,000 for Dublin. This is not affordable housing and it is important to make this point. Somehow we have got lost in the idea of affordable bands. If it is not based on 15% of income it is not affordable. This is my view.

The amendment would benefit those who cannot afford a home at market rates and those in the lower 40% of the country's income brackets who simply do not qualify for social housing. It is a common sense amendment and a fair amendment. It is a pragmatic amendment. It has the support of many people who advocate on housing. The amendment would ensure that ordinary people would be able to afford the affordable housing the Government is offering. I hope the Government will take it on board. I do not believe it is that dramatic or unreasonable. It is fair.

I would like the Minister to accept the amendment because it is important. It is one we should clearly tease out. It is one on which we should make a decision. We should go on the record today on the decision we will take. For this reason I will call for a vote on this amendment because clearly I need to demonstrate. We are politicians and calling a vote is not obstructive. I take exception to anyone who suggests this.This is a bicameral Parliament. This is a democracy. This is where we do our business. This is where we debate and tease out issues like affordable housing and this particular amendment. Therefore, people should not get too het up about votes in a democratic Chamber. I am looking forward to hearing the Minister's response and to the engagement with other Members. I am also looking forward to seeing the Members come to this Chamber and how they will cast their vote on this matter.