Government’s over-reliance on private rentals is failing families
Labour Senator Mark Wall has called for immediate action following the publication of the latest “Locked Out of the Market” report from the Simon Community, which revealed only 33 rental properties nationwide available within the discretionary rate of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme. The report, published today 22nd October, exposes the scale of the Government’s failure to provide affordable housing for vulnerable families and individuals.
Senator Wall said:
“These figures paint a stark picture of a Government housing strategy that is fundamentally broken. With over 14,000 people currently living in emergency accommodation, including more than 4,000 children, it’s clear that the over-reliance on private rental accommodation is failing those most in need. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s ‘Housing for All’ plan has failed to deliver on every front. Rents are up, evictions are up, and homelessness continues to rise.”
“The Simon Community’s findings are a damning indictment of this Government’s housing policy. Just 33 properties available under HAP is a disgrace in a country facing such an acute housing crisis. Vulnerable families and individuals relying on HAP are being locked out of the market, pushed further into poverty and, ultimately, into homelessness.
The Labour Party’s alternative budget for 2025 presents a clear plan to tackle the housing crisis by addressing the core issue: the State’s over-dependence on private developers and rental accommodation. Senator Wall highlighted Labour’s proposal to double capital investment in social and affordable housing over the medium term, moving away from the current heavy reliance on schemes like HAP, RAS, and social leasing.
He added:
“We can’t continue pouring public money into schemes that do little more than subsidise rising rents while doing nothing to address the root cause of the housing crisis. Labour’s alternative budget calls for a shift in approach — greater investment in publicly owned housing. Only by expanding our stock of social and affordable homes can we reduce the pressure on the private rental sector and offer families real security.
“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s housing strategy has failed on every front. We need a new approach. The Labour Party is ready to deliver real solutions to Ireland’s housing crisis — solutions that will provide stability for families and give hope to the thousands of children living in emergency accommodation. It’s time for the Government to listen, act, and invest in our future.”