Troy’s comments show just how out of touch this Govt is on housing
Troy’s comments show just how out of touch this Govt is on housing - The Labour Party
Responding to comments made by Minister of State Robert Troy on the allocation of social housing, Labour’s housing spokesperson Conor Sheehan TD said it epitomises the lack of understanding this Government has on the crisis in housing today.
Deputy Sheehan said:
“The inappropriate and, frankly, ignorant comments made by Minister Troy are really disappointing but unfortunately I think they represent a group-think that has set in across this Government. It’s clear that Minister Troy has never faced housing vulnerability, nor does he have any grasp on the fact that in the Ireland of today, people from almost every section of society are living in housing insecurity.
“As the Minister should well know, there is clear eligibility criteria when it comes to allocating social housing. Anyone who is eligible is entitled to be considered in a fair and transparent way. If Government want to raise the income limit for access to social housing, the forthcoming Budget is the place to do that.
“Just to let Minister Troy know, the average price of a 3 bed semi-detached house in his electoral area of Westmeath is €340,000, up 3.03%. With average rent nationwide now at €2,025, we know that those living in private rented accommodation are at huge risk of entering homelessness.
“We know that in 2024, the median weekly wage in Ireland was €730.89, so it’s abundantly clear that many people who are working can no longer afford to keep a roof over their head when the cost of living increases are factored in.
“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael just don’t get it. There’s over 300,000 people behind on their energy bills right now, yet they are ruling out any energy credits. One in five children are living below the poverty line when housing costs are factored in and they want to give an untargeted VAT cut for the hospitality sector. Over 5,000 children live in homelessness, and this Government is considering tax breaks for developers in Budget 2026. It just doesn’t add up.
“So many of the problems in this country go back to the fact that there is no new housing plan to get Ireland building again. Has Minister Troy factored any of this in to his thinking before opening his mouth?”