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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Housing crisis and related issues

Summary

The Taoiseach responded at length to the Dublin city centre incident, then the exchange broadened into the Housing Commission report, reference rents, Housing for All, and the Government’s approach to housing policy. Deputies also raised accusations of avoiding debate, while the Taoiseach said a further debate was not scheduled this week but could be pursued through the Business Committee.

Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I have been briefed on the incident which took place in the north inner city this morning. I understand An Garda Síochána has made an arrest. I thank An Garda Síochána for its swift and effective response to this incident, but I am also sure that people who were in that area, particularly children who witnessed this, would be very distressed. Thankfully, nobody came to physical harm, which I know we all welcome, but I understand An Garda Síochána has maintained ongoing patrols in the area, including at both opening and closing times for educational facilities.

I call on any witnesses or people with dashcam footage to come forward to the Garda. There has been an arrest made. The city centre task force has been established and is due to report in July. David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, has been appointed to chair it and I am sure can engage with interested public representatives in the House.

I am happy to have a debate on ethics in public office. We will get an update from the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, on any legislative proposals in regard to that. The Cabinet today agreed to several hundred amendments to the planning Bill that will come back to the House on, I think, 11 June. One relates to that issue of spurious objections or seeking money from developers to withdraw an objection, which is never acceptable.

On climate targets, the Business Committee can seek how best to do this. There are always lots of requests for lots of important debates. I am very happy to have a debate on this. The EPA figures today, as that agency will acknowledge, do not fully factor in or model a number of initiatives, including our biomethane strategy approved by the Government today and other initiatives such as traffic plans around our city. There is a demanding agenda in relation to climate but I am happy to have a discussion because there are reasons to be positive. We are seeing retrofitting numbers soar. They are up 80% in one year. Our fuel use for heating fell considerably in 2023 as a result and we need to build on that positive momentum.

In relation to the Housing Commission, we would love to debate it with Deputy Boyd Barrett because he was almost giddy with excitement in here last week about it. I would love to know if he supports all the 83 recommendations. I do not think he does. I do not think he supports reference rents.

Comment on this

If we get a chance to debate it, we can discuss that, as promised.

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Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I get a chance to speak too, if that is okay. I do not think he supports reference rents, incentives for landlords or any private investment fund.

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Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

There are 83 recommendations. The Minister has published our view on each one of them.

Comment on this

I campaigned for reference rents.

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Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

Maybe the Deputy will do the same in relation to his. We can certainly have that debate but there was a lengthy debate on Housing for All in the House as recently as last week. Unfortunately, some Deputies decided to adopt a position on the report before they read it.

To respond to Deputy McGrath, I have never known someone who is against something-----

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We will have a debate then. You promised a debate last week. When?

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This is utterly damning.

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Please allow the Taoiseach without interruption.

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Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

Deputy Boyd Barrett, the Taoiseach is responding to Deputy McGrath.

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Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I have just answered. We are not having another debate this week. We had one last week. We have lots on the agenda this week. If the Deputies want to schedule it for the Business Committee, they should go for it.

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We tried at the Business Committee and you voted against it.

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Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I have never known anybody to be as enthusiastic about wanting something to come back into the House to vote on, which he is so vehemently opposed to. I have never known somebody so eager to have the Government table something for adoption which he wishes to reject.

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You are hiding from the debate.

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Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

That will come back in due course at a time of our choosing.

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