Dáil Hears 55-Year Wait for Social Housing, Eviction Ban Debated

The Dáil has been informed that it will take 55 years to address the current and emerging social housing needs across the country. Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Féin's Housing spokesperson, stated that the volume of social housing currently being delivered is insufficient to meet demand.

Minister for Housing James Browne countered by noting that the previous year marked the highest number of social houses ever constructed in the State, attributing this progress to «record funding» allocated to tackle the housing crisis. However, Rory Hearne, Housing spokesperson for the Social Democrats, asserted that Ireland is experiencing a wave of evictions unprecedented since the Great Famine.

Deputy Hearne described it as «absolutely scandalous» that 27,000 households have received eviction notices since Minister Browne assumed office. He emphasized the urgent necessity of a no-fault eviction ban to mitigate the ongoing «human misery.» In response, Minister Browne criticized Deputy Hearne for repeatedly using the Famine as a «political football,» stating it made it difficult to take his arguments seriously. The Minister highlighted that the strongest tenant protections ever implemented are now in place, adding that Deputy Hearne had voted against these measures.

Deputy Hearne maintained that Minister Browne and the Government are entirely disconnected from the «human catastrophe» unfolding in the housing sector. He cited the case of an elderly couple in Co Wicklow, one of whom is a double amputee, who have resided in their home for 20 years and are now facing an eviction order from the county council. Deputy Hearne advocated for an eviction ban specifically to safeguard elderly individuals. Minister Browne, however, argued that the previous eviction ban resulted in an investment shortage, which subsequently led to a sharp decline in housing supply.