Housing affordability dispute
Shortall repeatedly presses that affordability, rising rents and house prices are the real issue, while the Tánaiste insists supply is the main driver and cites rising homebuilding and social housing numbers. The exchange becomes increasingly repetitive, with the chair eventually intervening as Members talk over each other.
Affordability is the issue.
Comment on this
Five thousand people were taken out of homelessness last year. We know that 7,000 new social housing units were added to the market last year. It will be 8,000 this year and 10,000 and 12,000 in the years ahead.
Comment on this
What is the Government doing about the issue of affordability?
Comment on this
We know that last year 14,500 new homes were built in Ireland. This year it will be over 20,000. Two years ago that figure was less than 10,000, so we are moving in the right direction.
Comment on this
While the transition is happening we need to protect renters, in particular, and people who need affordable properties-----
Comment on this
Rents and house prices are going up.
Comment on this
Which is why we have changed the rental market but the Deputy does not want to recognise progress because she wants to keep talking about problems.
Comment on this
Affordability is the issue that the Tánaiste is ignoring.
