– FF proposes greater split of NAMA stock for social housing –
Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Wicklow Cllr Pat Casey has called on Government TD’s in Wicklow to support a special Fianna Fáil Dáil motion aimed at addressing the housing emergency.
The Dáil motion tabled by Fianna Fáil gives the Government the opportunity to utilise the social dividend section of NAMA by providing 10,000 houses for use by the state.
Cllr Casey said, “Fine Gael and Labour will be remembered for having allowed a national housing emergency to develop under their watch. There are over 1,600 children and up to 780 families currently living in emergency accommodation. Families have been forced out of their homes here in Wicklow with some of them having to live in emergency accommodation for up to two years.
“Fianna Fáil has been warning about the dire situation with housing for a number of years now. Despite this the Government chose not to take the necessary measures, such as increasing investment in social housing, in order to address this issue. This housing emergency is having a detrimental impact on families. Children in particular are most affected as their opportunity to develop is being restricted.
“This week Fianna Fáil tabled a special Dáil debate aimed at addressing this housing emergency. Currently the Government is only ear marking a small percentage of NAMA housing stock for use by the state. It is scandalous that Fine Gael and Labour are prioritising vulture funds over the needs of people stuck on housing waiting lists for years on end. The motion we have tabled will ensure that NAMA is obligated to provide 10,000 units to the state for social housing.
“If this Government is serious about tackling this emergency then Minister Noonan would sign a Ministerial order requiring NAMA to provide for the social housing needs of the state. It remains to be seen if Fine Gael and Labour do the decent thing or simply continue to ignore the thousands of people stuck in emergency accommodation. Our Government Deputies here in Wicklow should do the right thing and support our motion in order to help people in Wicklow who are without a home,” concluded Cllr Casey.
