Dublin South Central TD, Deputy Catherine Byrne was speaking during a Private Member's Motion on housing in the Dáil and highlighted what is being done to alleviate the current demands on housing, as well as to address the difficulties being experienced by people who cannot afford high rents or a mortgage.
She said: "I am acutely aware of the housing crisis. A large number of people come to my clinics every week to inquire about housing, and some of they are in really desperate situations. For me, portacabins and hotel rooms are not the answer. We need to make available proper housing units; not single rooms or bedsits, but suitable housing for families.
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"I also have real concerns at the number of people in private rented accommodation being forced out of their homes because their landlord is demanding an increase in rent. These people are now seeking social housing, which is putting even more pressure on the local authorities.
"This year, €334 million is being paid out by the Department of Social Protection in Rent Supplement, straight into the hand of landlords. This is not sustainable and not a long term solution to housing needs.
"However, I'm confident that the Department of Environment and the local authorities are making progress in securing housing units to offer people on the housing and homeless lists. In 2014, over €640 million has already been allocated for housing.
"In March 2014, the Department announced the approval of 56 social housing construction projects with an overall value of €68 million under the Local Authority Housing Construction Programme for 2014-2015. This will deliver some 450 new units of accommodation for people on the housing waiting list, including homeless persons."
(CD/JP)
