Mattie McGrath: Housing legislation 'lost in a dense fog'

Mattie McGrath criticised the government's handling of housing legislation, warning it will not unblock logjams in the delivery of affordable and social housing. He argued that drafting, bureaucracy and lack of clarity are choking reform and called for the voluntary sector to be acknowledged while flagging risks from private funds.

Main critique

Mattie McGrath said it is not clear that the current bill and its amendments will unblock the logjams preventing the delivery of affordable and social housing. He expressed concern that drafting and legislative processes are constraining practical action.

Drafting and bureaucracy

He told colleagues that action from government seems to stall in the drafting stage and become 'choked up' in bureaucracy. McGrath said departments appear unable to move legislation into effective delivery.

Historical comparison

McGrath contrasted the present difficulties with earlier decades, saying the State was able to deliver social and affordable housing in the 1940s through the 1990s in ways that are now failing. He described the current situation as having "lost our way in some kind of fog, a dense fog."

Role of the voluntary sector and private funds

He urged that the voluntary sector be acknowledged and allowed to play a role in housing delivery. McGrath also warned about a continuing relationship with "vultures and cuckoo funds" appearing in legislative processes and court procedures.

Legislative robustness and clarity

He concluded that he was not satisfied the legislation is robust or clear enough to deal with the housing crisis where it needs to be tackled, calling into question whether the bill will produce the needed outcomes.