Fianna Fáil running from responsibility on Housing

Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD has today condemned the Government’s record on housing during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil.

Speaking just before the Dáil summer recess, Deputy Bacik criticised the Taoiseach for failing to take meaningful action on homelessness, the Tenant in Situ scheme, vacancy and dereliction. She said that Fianna Fáil, which holds both the Department of Housing and the Office of An Taoiseach, must be held responsible for a worsening crisis.

She called on the Government to publish evidence underpinning its developer-led changes to planning law and to immediately ramp up delivery of genuinely affordable homes.

Deputy Bacik said:

“The number of children experiencing homelessness is hurtling towards the 5,000 mark. This is a shameful and heartbreaking milestone – and one that has become inevitable under this Government’s failed housing policies.

“The Tenant in Situ scheme, which was one of the few tools available to keep families in their homes, has been effectively dismantled. It has been starved of funding by the Department of Housing, to the point that Dublin City and Fingal County Councils have had to stop operating it altogether.

“Vacancy and dereliction continue to blight communities across Ireland. The Government promised action – through updates to compulsory purchase laws, through protecting renters – yet we have still not seen any effective steps taken on these issues.

“This week, as we enter the final Dáil sitting before the recess, Fianna Fáil’s end-of-term report on housing is a clear fail. Their record is one of spin over substance.

“And worst of all, we are being asked to believe that reducing the size of apartments and slashing the required allocation of community and cultural space will somehow make housing more affordable – without a shred of clear evidence.

“The Taoiseach has told us these changes will save €50,000 to €100,000 per apartment. But where is that figure coming from? Minister Browne has told Deputy Conor Sheehan that the research would be published – but he hasn’t said when. We are unlikely to see it before this legislation is forced through.

“Meanwhile, An Taoiseach’s response today was more of the same – evasive, disingenuous, and full of deflection. There is still no evidence we are turning any corner. And there is no indication that this Government is serious about constructive, sustainable housing policy.

We need real action now. We need proper resourcing of the Tenant in Situ scheme, transparent evidence for major planning changes, and a renewed focus on building affordable homes. This crisis cannot wait.”