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thank the Deputy for his question in relation to affordable homes in Dublin for 2025 and 2026. More than 14,500 affordable housing solutions have been delivered since the launch of Housing for All, including over 5,200 in Dublin. Affordable housing schemes are now operating at scale … Dublin and the affordable housing delivery programme continues to be expanded and developed year on year, supported by unprecedented levels of State investment. Across the four Dublin local authorities, affordable housing fund approval is in place to support delivery of 35 projects, delivering more than 3,500 affordable

There was a very clear commitment in the 2020 Fianna Fáil manifesto in relation to holding a referendum on housing. I cannot remember whether it was in Fine Gael’s manifesto as well, but I think there was a commitment around it in the 2020 programme for Government … There was also a Seanad motion passed calling for a referendum on the right to housing and a constitutional change that would insert a very clear right to housing. That was proposed by a Fianna Fáil Senator and backed by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Senators. What

this debate in my role as Minister of State with responsibility for older people in the Department of Health and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I have worked with colleagues to secure substantial funding increases that will assist in meeting the needs of older people … areas of health and housing, along with the Government firmly supporting older people to live full, independent lives with the proper services in place. This is reflected in this year's budget with specific measures aimed at meaningfully impacting the lives of older people. A key focus

been set aside, and that is not acceptable to us or indeed the carers of Ireland. Let us get to the issue of housing because the housing crisis continues to deepen. It is dragging people down with it, and it is over a year since the Housing Commission … Government's own commission, said that we need to see a radical reset in relation to housing. What did the Government do in that year? It built fewer houses than in the previous year. You could not make it up. The Government's response to the commission

water, but it is just over €1 billion in this budget. If we are trying to deal with the infrastructural issues - and housing needs water infrastructure - we should be front-loading it. Similarly, we need massive investment in redefining the electricity grid, in investing in offshore wind … Government has said that in development plans, which are turning into ten-year development plans now, more land needs to be zoned for housing even though they are not building on the existing land. Developers will see this as a much more valuable asset and it may drive

thank all Members across the House for agreeing to the change to the Dáil schedule and facilitating this debate on the concerning developments regarding the Global Sumud Flotilla. I know that everyone’s overriding concern is for the safety and welfare of our Irish citizens … mission of solidarity with the people of Palestine. This House, the Oireachtas and our people across the country are united in this solidarity. Indeed, we are united today in our urgent wish that no harm should come to those who boarded the Sumud Flotilla, to those who still

welcome the ongoing US efforts to end the war in Gaza. We hope and, indeed, pray that Monday's announcement from the White House is a further step towards the peace that is so desperately needed. In particular, I welcome the sincere engagement of states in the wider … optional; it is an obligation that must be adhered to. It is a crying shame that two Members of these Houses have had to follow in the footsteps of other Members of the Houses and joined hundreds of activists from around the world to try to simply break

research by Economic and Social Research Institute shows one in five children, over 225,000, live in families below the poverty line when housing costs are accounted for; — the cost-of-living crisis is deepening with annualised food price inflation in August up by 5 per cent; — Ireland … payment - to address the shocking rise in child poverty; — a ban on the eviction of children into homelessness, and legislation to prioritise the housing needs of homeless families; — the removal of the restrictions introduced in March 2025 on the Tenant in-Situ Scheme so it is demand

Government and beyond; — the Government is investing almost €6.8 billion in 2025 to support the delivery of social, affordable and Cost Rental homes, housing supply has increased significantly with almost 32,800 social homes delivered between 2022 to 2024; — Budget 2025 provided an allocation of €303 million … delivery of high quality transitional and emergency accommodation for individuals experiencing homelessness; — the Government recently announced that an additional €50 million for housing acquisitions will prioritise families in long-term homelessness; — the Government has committed €325 million to support a second-hand acquisitions programme in 2025, allowing local

Communications and Sport and responsibility for the Property Services Regulatory Authority and the Property Services Appeals Board was transferred to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Housing. This is not quite the final element, but it is nearly the final element, of the transfer of function … secondary legislation to amend primary legislation. Primary legislation will therefore be necessary for the final transfer functions. Deputies will recall that the House has previously approved Further Revised Estimates to take account of these transfers. The most recent of these was in June relating to the transfer

alleviate the issue in respect of housing. We have repeatedly stated that the most effective way of getting people off the homelessness and housing lists is to ensure a greater supply of housing in our society, and available housing. Although the Deputy can criticise the Government … respect of it. Between July 2020 and the end of quarter 1 of 2025, 48,939 social homes were added to the social housing stock. That is a very significant number and cannot be ignored. Also, more than 13,100 homes were brought back into use under

creating a national rent pressure zone, ultimately including the entire country. The bottom line is that we need more supply of houses. We need a significant and substantial increase in the supply of housing. That is the key. Without additional supply we will have a very challenging rental … tenants in Irish society. It is not a return to a free for all. The reforms were informed by a review by the Housing Agency, which did an analysis of the rental market for us, in particular of the rent pressure zones. The agency made recommendations on which

very brave journalist Veronica Guerin was murdered. In the aftermath of her murder, there were very significant legislative changes made by the Houses of the Oireachtas to ensure that we could combat the organised crime gangs that had such violence and influence at that time. It was apparently … Michael Gubbins, who is the head of CAB, for the very important work it does on an ongoing basis. The legislation before the House this afternoon is for the purpose of amending the proceeds of crime legislation and to ensure it is more effective in seeking to pursue

make this a country for everyone. I was deeply concerned last week, listening to the chairperson of ALONE, Seán Moynihan, speaking about the housing crisis and the extent of its effects on older people. So much of the discussion around housing focuses on the typical young couple stuck … older people renting face significant stress from renting in the private sector due to concerns about the instability of their housing. We know from the number of renters in their 40s and 50s that this will only increase. I recently spoke with a constituent in his 60s living

equality. I thank her for that. I also pay tribute to the former Minister, Deputy Roderic O'Gorman, who is in the House this afternoon, for his leadership and courage as a Minister, but also for going to Budapest Pride. He sent a clear message on behalf … attitudes, our words, our spaces and our commitment as members of civic society. On behalf of Cork, I wish all Members of the House a happy Cork Pride, which begins next weekend. I thank Deputy Rice, who was a former chief executive of the Cork Gay Project. Cork

urgently make the case as to why this legislation is not only necessary but also overdue. We are in the middle of a housing crisis that affects every community in this country. It affects urban and rural, young and old, single people, families, renters and buyers alike … deliver them. One of the core reasons for that delay is an overly complex, inconsistent and drawn-out planning system. Time and again, housing projects, including affordable and social housing projects, are delayed by a system that is too slow, too uncertain and too exposed to procedural challenges

main issue, which I will go into in a minute. The Bill also provides for the extension of the duration of uncommenced housing developments, which the legislation says is temporary until 2027. Again, this is to give developers a chance to get building. The real issue with … genuine community concerns that are expressed. Oftentimes, they are expressed with a lack of tie-in for amenities and community infrastructure alongside housing. That is why I reiterate what I recently said to the Taoiseach. Everywhere should be an SDZ, strategic development zone. If we take south Dublin

series of actions and reforms he has undertaken in recent weeks, I think a significant difference will be made in driving housing supply, private and public, in our economy. He has reformed and streamlined the approval process for new-build social housing projects this week, making a real … difference in respect of streamlining the process to try to drive the approvals for social housing across our economy. He has brought through significant reforms and an expansion of the remit of the Land Development Agency, which is to drive the supply of social and affordable housing right

engaging with all the stakeholders regarding our new housing plan. The housing plan will follow the NDP. When that is finalised, the NDP will clearly set out the funding available for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other Departments that are key in delivering … infrastructure we need to deliver the housing we need. It is in that context that the housing plan will be developed. We have already taken significant measures. We are not waiting for the housing plan to start taking the measures we need to take. We have already agreed

thank the Deputy for highlighting what is the biggest domestic emergency we face in this country - the issue of housing. It is nowhere more acute than when it comes to children. We are united on that. I have huge respect for the Ombudsman of Children, Dr. Niall Muldoon … remind us of the real acuity of this situation. He made a number of constructive suggestions, including asking the Oireachtas joint committee on housing to play a role in this. I am quite sure that across parties, Members will want to see happen. I say respectfully

launch of the Raise the Roof motion on Monday. I said the Government was in complete panic mode when it came to housing. The treatment of this Bill is a perfect example of that panic. The legislation was approved by the Cabinet on 17 June and published … same day. The Bill is now progressing through this House in a single day, with all Stages taken today. There was no pre-legislative scrutiny, regulatory impact assessment or formal consultation with student representatives. We know from experience that rushed legislation seldom results in a fair or balanced

RPZs in the past ten days has really frustrated people at home. Fianna Fáil obviously has a history in terms of the housing crisis. The Taoiseach, Deputy Micheál Martin, was a Minister in the Government that created the first bubble, a Minister in the Government that crashed housing … prices around the country and now he is the Taoiseach who has led to the big spike in house prices and rents again. That incompetence has nearly been crystallised into the past ten days. There has been confusion, chaos and contradiction from the Minister and from the Government

welcome the opportunity to examine the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2025. I thank the Minister for bringing it before the House. This is a decisive Bill that extends rent pressure zones to every county, something that Members from all sides of the House sought. It reflects the Government … commitment to renters, to stability and fairness and to delivering real protections in an often volatile housing market. At its core, the Bill will ensure that all tenants in Ireland, whether in Donegal, Dublin, Dún Laoghaire or Drumshanbo, will be protected from excessive rent increases. Until now, rent

this will be carried out is on the basis of ensuring in November that the increases would be somewhat reduced, but with increasing house prices - we know about the significant issue of the housing crisis and its huge impact - people will consequently have to pay more … that 25%, no one in this room could think that would deal with all the issues that exist, such as housing maintenance, road upkeep, issues that impact on communities such as dumping, estate management or any of the other pieces the local authority is at least somewhat responsible

have come back to live with them who, having lived abroad for years, have come back here to try to get a house but can get nowhere? We all meet those people and know the situation is not working. The Minister says it is a crisis … think they are going to get on in life but discover they cannot afford, or do not have a hope of affording, a house or place to live. We all meet them every day of the week. They are the ones telling us the Government is failing. They

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on his review of the income eligibility thresholds for social housing support. [48578/26

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he will take to tackle dereliction in advance of the introduction of the new derelict property tax; his plans to mandate local authorities to collect the millions in outstanding derelict sites levies; when … with streamlined and strengthened CPO powers; if he will consider introducing compulsory sale orders to bring vacant and neglected homes back into the housing supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48496/26

Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the housing projects that are currently under construction in Kildare North and those which are expected to commence before the end of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48233/26

Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the additional support that will be provided to Mayo County Council to accelerate the delivery of turnkey and direct-build housing projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38774/26

Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a report on the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund. [48063/26

Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm the number of housing completions in Cork in 2025; the number of homes completed to date in 2026 in Cork; the number expected to be completed

Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current income limits that apply for social housing applicants in counties Cavan and Monaghan; if he acknowledges that the current limits deny many who cannot source a mortgage or affordable home any route

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the actions being taken by his Department to accelerate the delivery of social, affordable, and cost-rental housing in the Dún Laoghaire constituency; the number of such homes currently under construction in the area

Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to examine the availability of affordable purchase housing on council led sites in Dublin north-west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48184/26

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps being taken to support the development of age-friendly housing within existing communities, allowing older people to remain close to family and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47608/26

Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will be bringing forward new rural housing guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48081/26

Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his response to the latest monthly housing commencement figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48047/26

Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to review housing assistance payment limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48096/26

Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an overview of the projects approved in Offaly under the first call under the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48044/26

Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider introducing a specific scheme of investment in water and sewerage services in smaller towns and villages which would enable housing and other developments, taking into account that such locations have in most

Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social and affordable housing units built in Dublin south central in 2025 and 2026. [48284/26

Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the interaction his Department has had on the increase in rents for social housing tenants by South Dublin County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46878/26

Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his expectations for new build social housing in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48065/26

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on his progress toward delivering affordable housing in Dublin west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47674/26

Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on widening the income limits for qualification for affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48304/26

Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline any plans for the development of affordable housing in Arklow, County Wicklow. [47895/26

Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timescale for merging social and cost rental housing over time to form a single affordable rental sector, based on the principle of cost recovery as referenced in Delivering Homes, Building Communities; and if he will

Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a report on the work of the Housing Activation Office. [48062/26

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on his plans to deliver more affordable housing in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46793/26

Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps being taken by his Department to ensure that counties identified for population growth under the National Planning Framework have the necessary housing, water, wastewater and community infrastructure in place in advance of future development