Joe O'Reilly: Speed Up Housing to End Homelessness

Beann Comhairleach, welcome Minister to the House, might I very genuinely salute my colleague Senator McCarthy who's just spoken on his contribution, his practical contribution in this area, it's admirable. I must say that my own family have, we have an association with this question that I'm personally very proud of. My son Owen has worked over a couple of years, over the past couple of years with the McVeary Trust here in Dublin with the homeless as a social care worker then. So I'm particularly proud of that involvement and it makes me acutely aware of a number of the issues from conversations with him because he is passionate about these questions. And I suppose to say a few formal things, no one in this House is comfortable with the current homelessness figures. Every individual or family without a secure home represents a failure of systems, of supports and of supply. We must recognise both the progress that has been made and the scale of what still needs to be done. The reality is that housing delivery is moving in the right direction with supply increasing across social, affordable and private housing. That matters because ultimately the only sustainable way to reduce homelessness at scale is to build more homes. However, if we are serious about making a lasting impact, we must go further in accelerating delivery, removing barriers and ensuring that the entire system from planning to infrastructure can sustain that growth. On social housing, we need to continue scaling up delivery Minister while also building smarter. That means expanding modern construction methods so homes can be delivered faster and more efficiently. It means maximising the potential of state-owned land through the Land Development Agency. And it means strengthening project management capacity within local authorities so that delays between planning, procurement and construction are minimised. And in that context, I'm particularly proud that in my own constituency, Cavanagh and Monaghan, both of those counties have a good record on social housing, but one is never comfortable that you have an opt-out. Social housing is not just about units, it is about stability. When a family has a secure home, everything also becomes more possible. Children do better in school, parents can focus on work and communities become stronger and more settled. Investing in social housing is investing in opportunity, dignity and the long-term health of our society. So I'm a great believer that we need to focus big in there. On affordable housing, we need to scale up what is already working. The First Home Scheme is helping first-time buyers bridge the affordability gap and has a good pickup. While affordable purchase schemes delivered through local authorities and the LDA are creating mixed sustainable communities. The vacant property refurbishment grant is another practical measure that is delivering and the recent Cree Conia has been a big success. Also, the help to buy is important in terms of a tax rebate. Across towns and villages, buildings are being brought back into use, quickly adding supply while revitalising communities. These are tangible, effective tools and the priority now is to expand them, simplify access and ensure they are delivered at scale. In the private housing sector, viability and certainty remain key. We need a planning system that provides clarity and predictability rather than delay and risk. We also need to continue incentivising the activation of vacant and derelict properties which can be brought back into use far more quickly than new builds. At the same time, we must ensure that regulatory and cost pressures do not unintentionally stall development. If we want private supply to increase, the system must support builders to build. As the government cannot finance the entire investment needed to fund the level of housing requirement, we need that investment. Therefore, the private sector is critical to helping us build our way out of the housing crisis, twinned with the other areas. This brings me to the wider reforms on the way. Increasing housing supply is not just about funding, it's about having a system that can deliver efficiently. Planning reform is central to that effort and attempts have been made, significant attempts recently. We need statutory timelines, streamlined judicial reviews and a modernised planning authority, all helping to reduce delays and increase certainty. Infrastructure investment is equally critical. Homes cannot be delivered without water, waste water, transport and utilities and that must match what's going on in the actual building. Government investment in these areas is already unlocking development and enabling more sustainable higher density communities. Through regeneration funds, towns and cities are also being revitalised in a planned and coordinated way. Housing delivery depends on a system that works from end to end and these reforms are essential to making that happen. Even with all of this, homelessness is not solely a housing supply issue. For many, it is the end point of a complex chain of disadvantage. Addiction remains a significant driver with individuals caught in cycles of substance misuse, often finding it extremely difficult to sustain tenancies or rebuild stability in their own lives. Our response must be rooted in support for these people. That means better integration between addiction services and housing supports, as well as expanding access to long-term recovery accommodation that allows people to rebuild their lives in a stable, supported environment. Mental health is another critical factor. A significant proportion of those experiencing long-term homelessness are living with untreated or under-treated mental health conditions. For too long, services have been fragmented, allowing people to fall through the cracks. We need a system that is integrated, community-based and responsive. One where mental health and addiction supports are delivered together and where intervention happens early rather than at a crisis time. We must continue to increase housing supply across social, affordable and private sectors. That is essential, but it is not sufficient on its own. If we are serious about reducing homelessness, we must match increased supply with deeper supports tackling addiction, improving mental health services and ensuring that no one is left behind by a system that is meant to support them. Homelessness is a challenge we can address with the right investment and the right determination. It behoves us all to try to do that. Thank you.