Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
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410. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when he intends to hold a referendum on the public ownership and management of water and the right to housing. [36788/24]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I established the Commission on Housing in December 2021 to examine and evaluate Ireland's housing system. At the same time, I tasked the Commission with advising Government on the critical factors to be considered regarding a referendum on housing and, if appropriate, to recommend wording for a constitutional change. While this is not a commitment to a referendum on a 'right to housing', it wasn't precluded by the Commission's terms of reference.

The Housing Commission has submitted its report and recommendations to me regarding a proposed constitutional amendment. The reports and associated supporting documentation have been submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage for its consideration, to allow for as wide a government perspective as possible. In terms of next steps, it is intended to establish an inter-departmental group to consider and develop policy proposals for Government. This group will have regard to the Commission's proposals, the Joint Oireachtas Committee's considerations, and any legal advice provided by the Office of the Attorney General, as part of the process.

I expect that recommendations could be ready to be brought to Government in the first half of 2025. Proposals regarding the scheduling of a referendum will be considered at that time.

I have previously committed to bringing forward a referendum proposal on public ownership of water services for Government consideration in conjunction with recommendations in respect of a proposed referendum on housing, and that remains the intention.