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solutions. That is what one has to come up with - solutions. The only solution is to increase supply, not freezing the housing situation as it is, but increasing supply. That is what all of our proposals are working towards doing. We also heard about social housing … delivering the largest social housing build since the 1970s. That is a fact. We will deliver even more. We have increased the number of houses

House prices, rents, council waiting lists and homelessness are all rising. Any options for ordinary workers and their families are vanishing. Figures from the start of this month show there were almost 16,000 people in emergency accommodation. This Government cannot even be said to be making … situation at all. It is a runaway carriage and will continue to be so until the Government finally accepts it is a housing policy, the entire ideology of which has failed. It cannot even provide the water or electricity infrastructure needed to allow housing to be built. Urgent

triúr cainteoirí againn agus tá ceithre nóiméad ag gach Teachta. As far as I can see, everything is an emergency. The housing situation has been handled so badly for so long that it is now a crazy situation. The Members from Independent Ireland - so called Saor Éire … many old developments. The Minister floated an idea some time ago which gave great hope to people who live in cabins and behind houses in different areas. Something meaningful needs to be done about this. He knows and I know that there are hundreds of these cabins

essentially trying to convince us that black is white. To have the audacity, as Ministers have done this evening, to come into this House and claim that their housing plan is working is akin to trying to convince people that the Earth is flat. The thousands of people … were outside this House this evening, demanding that we raise the roof, demanding of their elected representatives that we raise the roof on their behalf, know the reality of the record of the parties in government. House prices and rent costs through the roof, homelessness figures beyond anything

want to raise the issue of an email I received from my local authority last week regarding an email from the Department of housing saying that the local authority was not to proceed with 73 social homes and a community building under PPP bundle 3 at a site … understanding is that in this case the preferred bidder was selected as long ago as last October. The reply from the Department of housing told us that after careful consideration, the Department has decided not to go ahead with 486 homes under PPP bundle 3. There are over

thank the Deputy for bringing up this issue. I undertake to pass that on directly to the Minister for housing and ask him to look into the matter immediately with the local authority and come back to the Deputy directly on the issue. There is a housing emergency … take every opportunity to do so. We will have a national development plan review next month which will significantly increase further investment in housing and housing-enabling infrastructure. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Browne, to look at the issue affecting the Deputy's constituents

opportunity for statements on fisheries. I am pleased to discuss the important issues concerned affecting the fisheries sector. I wish to reassure the House that as Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries and the marine, I recognise the importance of maintaining a vibrant fishing sector, both … setting up the terms of reference for the fisheries sector. I am grateful to Mr. Kieran Mulvey, who is well known to this House, who has agreed to work with us in the Department and with the sector to chart a roadmap on addressing these issues into

that disclosure of personal records, including counselling records, can have on survivors of sexual violence. One of the most difficult things that this House has to do is to resolve issues around conflicting constitutional rights. The disclosure of counselling records is a complex and highly sensitive balancing … result in a finding of constitutional invalidity. I reassure the Deputy that the Government intends to address the serious issues raised in the House. For this reason, we are tabling a timed amendment to this Private Members' business. The law in this area was substantially reformed

fides of those supporting it - is that the Central Bank is independent of the Government in its functions. I think everybody in the House accepts this point. If the Central Bank were not to be independent in its functions, the Minister for Finance would be setting the interest … decline the prospectus, then it is my belief that it should do so. That is not the same thing, though, as this House or this Government instructing an independent body to do it. Additionally, all of us in this House have called for an immediate ceasefire

will stay with the theme of housing and, in particular, the emergency task force that was set up in Galway in 2019. At the end of last year, during the last meeting for which I have minutes, the new chair said the delivery to date … happy picture". This was referring to the failure to deliver housing in Galway city and county. Lots of issues and obstacles were raised. One is the lack of wastewater infrastructure in the county and on the east side of the city. I have used every opportunity to raise

negotiation. I am shocked any Minister, never mind a Fianna Fáil Minister for justice, would bring such a proposal to this House. I was very surprised that we can get no clarity on what is on the table from a European perspective. We do not know what … allow us to enter the process at a later stage when we know precisely what we are voting for. That is what this House is entitled to and what the Irish people would expect. The difficulty I have in a wider sense is with the Government's moves

Dáil. I also welcome the Moylagh Historical Society from the royal county. Fáilte romhaibh ar fad. The Taoiseach repeatedly tells us that fixing housing is his number one priority so people have waited for the big initiative for some idea that he might bring forward to turn … tide of this emergency. God knows, we have been enduring the Government's directionless approach since it has come to office, misleading on housing delivery, beds in sheds and the mad cap housing tsar idea really leaving people wondering would it ever bring forward a substantive proposal

shall be: - Motion re Referral of Government Bills to Select Committees (without debate and any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Statements on Housing (not to exceed 3 hours and 32 minutes) Tuesday's private members' business shall be Motion re Urgent action on Vacant Council Housing, selected … members’ time may be taken later than 6.12 p.m. and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Statements on Housing, with consequential effect on the commencement times for the items following in the ordinary routine of business, namely, Parliamentary Questions to the Minister

these children will carry with them into adulthood. The core response from the Government must be recognition, in the first instance, that housing policy over successive Dáil terms involving the same parties has failed. We will get nowhere fast if it does not face this reality. Countries such … Austria have implemented housing policies that have been much smarter. Austria has been more versatile in how it has used public money, which has consequently been more effective. As a party, the Social Democrats have put forward pragmatic solutions to the housing disaster. The mental health fallout from

will start by thanking the housing Minister for bringing forward, in his first few months, a Bill that will address some of the changes needed to the defective concrete scheme. However, I have communicated to him there are a few issues that need changing. The decision, for example … updated grant rate as 29 March 2024 is simply unfair. It flies in the face of what the previous Minister for housing, Deputy Darragh O’Brien, said when he publicly promised early movers would not be penalised. Only 43 homes were actually completed by 29 March 2024. That

might say one thing, a Leas Cheann-Comhairle, about the provision of public housing. I have consistently found it frustrating that it takes 59 weeks - that is the Department's own estimate - to bring a public housing project from the initial concept to the signing of contracts … need to look at the funding for capital acquisition, tenant in situ and the capital advance leasing facility. Local authorities and approved housing bodies are advising us that they are finding the approval process challenging, lengthy and burdensome. That is delaying the commencement of public housing development

middle of a housing crisis, there are more than 2,600 houses boarded up across this State. Some 91 of them are in my own constituency of Clare and of those, 18 have been empty for more than 18 to 24 months. This is not down … that children are growing up in hotel rooms instead of these homes. We have had more than enough excuses, broken promises and missed housing targets. Media reports yesterday revealed that this year's targets will be missed by 10,000. How many missed targets is that

There is general agreement that it is taking far too long for vacant houses to come back into service. Properties may lie idle for months or years. There are some in South Dublin County Council that are idle more than a year and others that have been vacant … years. I know of one building suitable for housing in Rossfield that has been lying idle for more than 20 years. In Mac Uilliam, two apartment blocks are idle, with a row ongoing between the council and the Housing Agency. Such properties are an eyesore. Deputy O'Reilly

Having vacant homes in the middle of a housing crisis is a scandal, particularly when they are local authority houses. There are more than 2,700 vacant at the moment. A third have been vacant for more than a year. This is simply not on. Reletting times average … more than €28,000. I want to give the Minister of State the message - if he looks around at vacant houses in Limerick, he will see it himself - that the longer a home is vacant, the more it deteriorates and it becomes subject to vandalism, and this causes

widely supportive of the aims of the Sinn Féin Private Members' motion. We wish to do more to ensure that social housing stock is turned around and reallocated in a timely manner. I note in media reports over the weekend that Tiobraid Árann is one of the four … voids is the cost of bringing them back into use, especially when local authorities can only recoup up to €11,000 per house despite a recent NOAC finding stating that the costs of same are closer to €30,000 per house. I would say that is conservative, because

comments made by the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, and reassert this Government's commitment to tackling the challenges in the housing sector. I will highlight the steps being taken by the Government to minimise vacancy and to ensure strategic and informed programmes of planned maintenance work … local authority housing are implemented and support by stock condition data and the appropriate ICT asset management solution. The completion of the roll-out of the ICT solution to all 31 of our local authorities has occurred in the past few weeks and is an important step. Furthermore

many homes without people. The vast majority of these are in private hands. However, there are more than 2,500 vacant council houses throughout the State. Of these, 834 have been vacant for more than a year. Each of these homes should have a local family living … Minister is familiar with Wexford County Council. We both served on it at the same time. However, of the 108 vacant council houses in County Wicklow, shockingly, seven of these are lying boarded up for more than three and a half years. Four of them have been lying

Anybody who was in the House for any period earlier today will realise the priority and urgency afforded to the housing crisis. There are 15,580 people homeless. Then there is the rest, which Minister would have heard about, such as the average cost of rent being above … There is a housing emergency but instead of prioritising homes, this Government and those that preceded it have been reckless when it comes data centres. Instead of an approach that balances the energy demand from centres alongside that of other users, there is an absence of a plan

take Questions Nos. 9 and 20 together. The primary aim of the help to buy scheme is to encourage additional supply of new houses by supporting demand. It also assists first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new home. The scheme provides … residential but has been converted for residential use, it may qualify for the help to buy scheme. Renovation or refurbishment of old houses to either upgrade or reinstate them for habitation does not qualify for the scheme. Regarding second-hand properties generally, an increase in the supply

financial assistance. An extension to the help to buy scheme to include buyers of second-hand homes would acknowledge the reality of our housing market. An extension would widen access, especially in rural and established urban areas where new builds are limited or priced outside of the thresholds … buyers of second-hand homes would ease the pressure on the new-build sector, increase buyer choice and contribute to a more balanced housing market. We must ensure housing supports for all first-time buyers, regardless of the type of home they purchase. For many, the help

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking to ensure affordable housing is delivered in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35256/25

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how he intends that the Land Development Agency will support local authorities, the Housing Activation Office and his Department in master planning and infrastructure provision in new towns and districts; and if he will make

Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for investing additional capital in Uisce Éireann to support reaching housing targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35620/25

Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will work with Donegal County Council to ensure that affordable housing schemes can be delivered across the county as soon as possible, in acknowledgment of the growing number of families in Donegal

Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will increase the overall national allocation for the housing adaptation grant scheme for older people and people with disabilities, in view of significant demand, increasing costs, and the essential role these grants play

Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the intention within his Department to review the income thresholds for social housing applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35811/25

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures his Department is taking to address the crisis of those who qualify for social housing and HAP being unable to get a social home or find a tenancy on the private market which they

Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how he would advise this Deputy to respond to persons about Government housing policy, especially to those who are older, over 50 and renting, with no prospect of owning a home. [27449/25

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are proposals to deal with the backlog of housing adaptation grant applications at Louth County Council, which have been paused until November 2025 due to a lack of funding; and if he will

Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will provide additional funding to Sligo County Council and Leitrim County Council for the housing adaption grant scheme for older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35416/25

Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagement that has taken place between his Department and Uisce Éireann in relation to the progression of taking in charge of water services of completed housing estates, many of them which have been completed

Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that, according to reports this week, house prices have risen to a ten-year high; if, given that in Laois this inflation has risen by 17%, combined with a shortage of affordable

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on his plans to get construction going on the six social housing sites that were part of the now collapsed public private partnership bundle 3. [35822/25

Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how he plans to encourage the use of vacant space over commercial buildings for housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35867/25

Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action he is taking to support modular housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35630/25

Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the urgent need for housing in Gweedore and other Gaeltacht regions in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35829/25

Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures that will be put in place to ensure the social housing which was due to be completed in PPP bundle 3, including 106 homes in Blessington in Wicklow, will be completed without additional delay

Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to review the housing assistance payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35788/25

Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to increase the availability of affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35848/25

Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the State will directly build social housing projects that were to be built using PPPs, in light of the escalating costs associated with PPPs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35889/25

Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will agree that persons (mostly women, but not exclusively) who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse face particular challenges navigating the housing crisis; if he will provide details of any specific supports

Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the proposed Colbert Quarter development in Limerick by the Land Development Agency (LDA); and when he expects the LDA to begin delivering houses for Limerick. [35634/25

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the proposals there are to deal with issues that have arisen following the issuing of Circular 11/2025 in relation to the ability of AHBs, including St. John of God's, to provide for housing

Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports he is providing for affordable housing and cost rental; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35877/25

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on bundles 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the public private partnership social housing projects; whether they will continue as public private partnerships or be dropped; and if he will make a statement