Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Comhghairdeas to you, a Chathaoirligh, on your new position. I am sure you will lead with distinction and courage. We are delighted to see you in the seat. Comhghairdeas also to our new Leader, Senator Chambers. I did not realise her good news, but I wish her a long life of love and happiness. She deserves both.

Today we are joined by pupils from St. Peter's school in Phibsborough. It is one of Dublin's oldest and proudest schools. These boys and girls are great citizens of our capital city and they are great students. They are joined by their teachers, Mr. Ryan and Aiveen - all the way from the kingdom in Kerry although we do not hold it against her. They are great examples of all of the talents and abilities of young people in our capital city. I am very proud to have the opportunity to welcome them here today.

I am my party's spokesperson on housing. I will use my remaining time to ask, in front of the girls and boys here today who know that this Government has made significant changes in terms of housing and unprecedented spending now is taking place, to change the direction of housing delivery. They want to know for the future that they will have a guarantee of a safe and secure home. The Leader will be aware an issue I have raised previously with Government is a debate on an amendment to the Constitution to ensure a right to housing for every citizen. The Government has been working on this since taking office more than a year ago. There is a proposal to come to Government. I would ask the Leader to commit that as soon as a proposal is brought to Government, she will arrange a debate in this House on an amendment to Bunreacht na hÉireann to insert a right to housing.