Housing legislation and funding
Barry Cowen presses for legislation addressing the housing crisis and criticises repeated promises of action next year. The Tánaiste says housing Bill heads are imminent, publication is planned for next year, and a €100 million housing programme will operate meanwhile.
Can the Tánaiste enlighten the Dáil on when we can expect the housing Bill to be introduced to address the housing crisis that exists in Dublin and throughout the country? We have been waiting for three years for this Government to introduce legislation to deal with the lack of available funding for schemes and programmes.
Comment on this
The heads of the housing (miscellaneous provisions) Bill are expected shortly. The Bill is due to be published next year. As the Deputy is aware-----
Comment on this
We are in mid-December of this year.
Comment on this
What part of next year are we talking about?
Comment on this
The heads of the Bill are expected shortly, as I have said. It will be published after it has been drafted. The intention is to publish it next year. We are not waiting for legislation. In the meantime, the Minister of State with responsibility for housing has announced a €100 million housing programme for next year.
Comment on this
It will build more than the Deputy's party built.
Comment on this
We used to have that done by January.