Record levels of homelessness, a generation locked into precarious tenancy agreements, skyrocketing rents and a dearth of affordable homes for first time buyers all continue to be the central characteristics of government’s housing policy, despite the Dáil voting confidence in the Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien.
That was the scathing assessment of Independent TD for Cork South-West, Michael Collins, after the Minister this week survived a No Confidence motion in him by 86 votes to 63m with a single abstention.
“Given this Minister’s appalling record we may as well call him ‘Dismal Darragh’ for all that he and this government’s policies have done to drain any hope of home ownership away from our young people, those wishing to start a family or those who simply want to put down roots,” said Deputy Collins.
“I certainly could not in conscience have backed him to continue down the same failed and failing path.”
“Every single week I have dozens of people who come to my office and clinics in Skibbereen, Clonakilty, Bandon, Bantry and the surrounding areas begging me for a home or to try and find some way of helping them avoid being evicted.”
“They are others who are crying and afraid that they will not be able build a home. I know of one case where €10,000 was spent on planning for a west Cork Island family farm and were still refused permission. It leaves the housing crisis as bad now as at any time in the past.”
“So, while the Minister’s colleagues can back their man to the hilt, they should know that they do so while thousands of families in West Cork and beyond remain on their knees, begging and pleading for a home or for security of tenancy.”
“Minister O’Brien may have survived this vote but the vast majority of people I am dealing with have no such confidence in him, his party or this government, and they will make that abundantly clear come the next general election,” concluded Deputy Collins.