Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I second the motion.

Following on from Senator Ruane's remarks, I will go straight into more of the stories contributed to the project:

To Lizzie, who ... [values] the winter conversations at the open fire, with people coming from all parts of the halting site for cups of tea and chats by her father's lamp. Lizzie loves Traveller culture but it's not part of [Traveller] culture to live without basic human needs. No one should have to take the ice off the inside of [the trailer] windows before sending children to school. Living with bad lungs and a lower life expectancy. All Lizzie wants is the best facilities for her community and not see them forced into mainstream houses. A housing policy that facilitates all walks of life. But now Lizzie is being asked to move and leave behind years of memories because the people in the nearby apartments don't like the view.

To Claire, who has spent so much time scanning ads online for apartments that claim to be accessible but only allow a wheelchair user in the door and don't consider the need to move around inside, or to have a shower or have room for a couch for guests, or have a nearby bus stop to get to work. Claire was excited to finally secure an apartment in the city that was actually accessible, but now all she feels is stress as she pays her rent but can't move in because there is no personal assistance support available to her. Claire can't see any light at the end of the tunnel.

To Raphael, who was constantly looking for a place to live and who has slept in overcrowded houses and on friends' couches and floors. His doctor has told him to find a better place to live for the sake of his health. But where can he go? He wonders how you are supposed to get references if you've ... [spent half your life living] in Direct Provision ... He is tired of potential landlords being more interested in the fact that he is black, rather than the fact that he is a health care worker, a student and a youth mentor. He is tired of always moving and just wants somewhere to belong. Wishing that there was a sense of humanity in the housing system, Raphael just wants to be free.

To the children who have spent year after year in emergency accommodation, their childhood memories robbed of the many milestones and memories that they should have had. The children absorbing their parents' anxieties. The children commuting to school [each day] like worn out adults. The children who don't have a table to eat their breakfast at or do their homework on.

And to Paula, who is talking to all of you now. She spent 15 years on a council list waiting to be housed. 13 of those years were spent in rundown overpriced accommodation until a small electrical fire caused by a storage heater left her and her children homeless. I want to acknowledge her pain and suffering.

There is a view out there that many people in this country are failing, and the situations that they find themselves in are entirely the result of their own decisions. But that is not true. I want to make something very clear to all of you. And let it be noted for public record, it is not your fault. Consecutive governments have failed you. The truth is that the current housing crisis is the result of so many policy decisions at the highest level. We failed to bring in rent regulations and proper tenants' rights. We listened to the intensive lobbying of private developers and vulture funds. We prioritised the ... landlords, developers and builders. We outsourced our responsibilities to profit-making companies. And we took away the independence of local authorities and we simply didn't build enough houses. We saw housing as a commodity and we lost sight of every person's basic need for a safe and secure home. And for that, I just want to say I am sorry. I am so sorry.

During the year and a half I have been here, the Minister of State and I have spoken about housing many times. The Civil Engagement Group has also discussed housing. I am thankful, as is the Civil Engagement Group, that we have cross-party support today. We are very grateful for that. However, we and our communities outside this House need action. We do not need any more talking shops. Behind us, I formally welcome the Housing Action Now group. This motion outlines what the Government should do.It is all of our responsibility to put this into action and not just say we support it today because it sounds ever so lovely to say. We need to be seen to be delivering for our children, our Traveller community, our refugees, our migrants, our working-class people, people who are coming out of prison and the rest of our people. I thank the Minister of State for taking the time to listen.