Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have the floor so I will speak. Leasing has been appallingly bad value and it was flagged early on. Strategic housing development has not led to the desired outcome. I have been in this House over six years and have been lectured on the urgency of suspending normal planning processes and of leasing. At the same time, I have seen local authorities have their hands tied behind their back by housing Ministers who have not allowed them to purchase. They have forced them into leasing, instead of buying or building.With respect, when we talk about tools, it is appropriate for us to say that some tools are better than others. Of course, we are pushing for action and investment but, to be very clear, we want to make sure that investment delivers housing for the long term. When we talk about public housing, we want to still have that public housing in 25 years rather than a lot of public land having left public ownership and no longer being available, condemning another generation to struggle for public housing. With respect, there are nuances and differences between tools. In fact, the criticisms that have been levied and which this side of the House has put forward numerous times have been proven correct. In that regard, we should be allowed to engage with the Minister. We will make our points and he will take them on board in whatever way he wishes. I will certainly not apologise for raising nuanced points regarding the difference between what is truly public and what is private.