Pringle slams Government for rushing housing legislation through the Dáil

By Thomas Pringle
Updated: 9th October 2024

Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, slammed Government for rushing housing legislation through the Dáil, and cited rising Donegal house prices as he called for local authorities to be given the funding to ensure those in need of housing are able to secure it, no matter their income.

Addressing the Dáil on Tuesday, Deputy Pringle said: “We were told just last week that we would take second stage of this legislation today and then proceed to rush through committee and remaining stages of the legislation tomorrow.

“Our legislative process was not designed to be rushed through in this way. All stages should be given their own slot and ample time for scrutiny in the Dáil and the Seanad. TDs were also only made aware that this would be the case after the amendment deadline had passed, which is completely unacceptable, and this was raised by myself and others at the Business Committee last week.

“How are we supposed to do our jobs as legislators when this government refuses to engage with the democratic process?” he said.

The deputy was speaking on Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024.

Deputy Pringle said: “I have raised this issue many times during this government’s term, but it is clear that this government has no care or interest in the legislative process.”

The deputy said: “There is no doubt that the lack of housing is the biggest issue we face in this country at the moment and one that affects every single person in some way. In particular, there is a severe shortage of affordable housing.

“Last week I raised the fact that in Donegal, prices in the third quarter of 2024 were 12% higher than a year previously, and that the average price of a home in Donegal is now a massive 65% above the level seen at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This week the MyHome.ie Property Price Report has shown that property prices in counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal continue to rise, with prices in Donegal increasing by over €15,000.

“In a survey from the Real Estate Alliance published two weeks ago, Donegal saw the highest increase of the three northwestern counties, with the average price of three-bedroom semi houses increasing by 3% in the last three months alone, from €165,000 to €170,000.

“Despite what the government claims, it is clear that things will only get worse as prices continue to rise and the government refuses to do anything about it.

“This legislation to remove the requirement for Approved Housing Bodies to apply for registration and to be permanently registered certainly isn’t going to address the problem, either.

“We shouldn’t be forced to rely on Approved Housing Bodies to provide much-needed public housing. The fact that there are 441 Approved Housing Bodies operating in the country at the minute shows that it doesn’t make any sense.

“Our local councils should be given the funding and support necessary to ensure that those in need of housing are able to secure housing, no matter their income.

“There is no doubt that the public housing income level threshold is far too low, particularly in Donegal where you have to be making below €30,000 in order to be considered for public housing. This is ridiculously low and it doesn’t make sense that this hasn’t increased along with the minimum wage, except that the Government wants to manage the housing lists to keep them as low as possible, to make it look like they’re actually doing something.

“I believe that everyone, no matter their income, should be entitled to public housing if they have a housing need. Everyone should have access to a roof over their head.

“It is the most basic human need. But I believe that families on minimum wage should have access in particular, given the lack of affordable housing available in this country. This is what this government should be focusing on,” he said.