Housing committee report debate
Deputy Coppinger sought an early Dáil debate on the Housing and Homelessness Committee’s report and its incorporation into the housing action plan. Minister Coveney said the business committee and Whips would set the debate, while the report’s recommendations would inform an action plan due before July’s end.
When will the recommendations of the Committee on Housing and Homelessness be discussed by the Dáil? I was one of the Deputies who spent nine weeks entombed and involved in discussions. It is untenable that such an important report could be produced but not discussed by the various parties in the Dáil.
Comment on this
Further to that, the Minister referred to the action plan for housing. Will it take cognisance of the report and will the Minister agree that a debate in the Dáil should be scheduled for next week?
Comment on this
It will be a matter for the new business committee and the Whips to determine when a debate is scheduled in the Dáil, but I would certainly welcome it. Regardless of when that happens, in the context of putting together an action plan for housing, which will be in place and published before the end of July, we will take on board the detail of the work done by the all-party committee. I know the Deputy had a difference of opinion with the committee on some issues, but I am sure she would strongly support many others. We will of course take on board those recommendations. I will not give a commitment on which ones we will fully, partially or not accept.
Comment on this
The Deputy can rest assured that detailed consideration of the report will be part of the putting together of the action plan for housing.