Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has warned that the government will fail to address the housing crisis in the upcoming budget.

The Donegal TD was speaking in response to today’s Summer Economic Statement published by the government.

Teachta Doherty said:

“Today’s Summer Economic Statement shows that the State has the resources to tackle the problems that workers and families are facing – what is lacking is political will.

“This is the last financial statement before this government delivers its final budget.

“The test of this budget will not be what is announced today or promised tomorrow, but what is delivered.

“We know that since taking office that this government has failed to tackle the housing crisis or deliver lasting change and better care in our hospitals.

“So many continue to struggle with the high cost of living.

“Today’s statement indicates that the government will provide no additional public investment to deliver social and affordable housing in response to the Housing Commission’s finding that we are currently short of 250,000 homes in the State.

“Today’s statement also makes clear that Sinn Féin were correct in calling out the irresponsible underfunding and mismanagement of our health service by Minister Paschal Donohoe.

“For Sinn Féin, it is clear what the upcoming budget must deliver.

“The biggest public housing programme in the history of the State.

“Tackling hospital waiting lists for patients and reducing the cost of childcare for families.

“Significantly reducing the USC and increasing the incomes of pensioners, carers, lone parents and citizens with disabilities.

“That real and lasting change will only be delivered by a new and changed government.

“It is the change Sinn Féin are determined to deliver.”