National Concert Hall and social housing
Deputy Ó Fearghaíl asks about the National Concert Hall Bill and demands that the Tánaiste correct her account of previous social-housing provision. She says the Bill is due shortly and defends her criticism of the former Government’s housing policy.
The National Concert Hall Bill appears on the A list. The purpose of the Bill, obviously, is to establish the National Concert Hall on a statutory basis. Is there a timescale for bringing forward the Bill?
I call on the Tánaiste to correct the record of the House. She misled the House for the second time recently with regard to the construction programme carried out by the previous Government for social housing. I have checked the records and note that between 2002 and 2011 the previous Government built 45,000 social houses and delivered 10,000 affordable units. That equates to half the number of people currently on waiting lists. The least Members have a right to expect is that statements made by Ministers will be truthful.
Comment on this
Will the Tánaiste admit that she was wrong and misled the House? Will she correct the record?
Comment on this
On the National Concert Hall legislation, it should be before the House shortly.
In respect of my comment, if the Deputy wishes me to expand, what I said was that from 2000 onwards - during the time the bubble was building, during the period the Deputy's party was in government - local authorities moved away from an emphasis on the key role played by social housing.
Comment on this
No; that is not what the Tánaiste said.
Comment on this
There were 45,000 units provided. The Deputy is unbelievable.