Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the Government. I woke this morning and heard more jobs announced. This is becoming such a frequent event that I almost take it for granted. Credit where credit is due.

Then I switch on the radio and I listen to the happy clappy economist from Friends First who told us we were going to have a soft landing some years ago and disappeared when the landing hit the wall. I tire of listening to people like him. That is especially the case when I come in here today and the library service gives me figures of 3,428 homeless adults, 738 homeless families and 1,571 homeless dependants - I assume they are children.

I say to the Leader that I am not suggesting for one moment that any of us in this room can solve this problem. We had a very interesting debate at the Seanad Public Consultation Committee with representatives of the agriculture sector which was very productive and well worthwhile. I wonder if it would be possible to invite some of the external agencies to the House and try to thrash something out. I do not think any one person has the answer. I do not believe that the answer is coming soon. However, I have children who are in the age bracket to buy property or to find homes and I see one of my family who I believe will never see the day when she will own a home. Rents are at such a level, people cannot save money so they will never be able to get the 20% they need to buy or the get a mortgage to buy a property.

I am not sure how we are going to solve this problem. However, watching it happening is very frustrating. Today we have another march from O'Connell Street to Leinster House representing homeless people. I do not know what anyone can do about this. However, it is time for a consultation involving all interested parties. Perhaps this is the Chamber in which to do it. I will leave that with the Leader and perhaps he will consider it.