Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has today said that Simon Harris clearly does not care about the people who are suffering as a result of this housing crisis.

The Dublin Mid-West TD’s comments were made in response to the ‘deafening silence’ from Simon Harris on the housing crisis since elected as leader of Fine Gael over a week ago.

Teachta Ó Broin said:

“Why is Simon Harris silent still on housing? He hasn’t said a word about what is the biggest crisis in the state since he became Fine Gael leader.

“He has listed his priorities as supporting SMEs, law and order, and supporting agriculture. Does this mean that tackling the deepening housing and homelessness crisis is not one of his priorities?

“This week marks a full year since the ending of the ban on no-fault evictions in the private rental sector. Last year we warned the government that ending the ban would lead to an increase in homelessness.

“Since the ban ended, more than 5,000 adults and children have been forced into emergency accommodation.

“Last week the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien released the latest homeless figures, social and affordable housing delivery figures and council social housing waiting list figures.

“All categories of homeless are up and at new record highs. Council social housing waiting lists are up for the first time since 2016.

“And for the fourth year in a row, this government has missed their social and affordable housing targets.

“Significantly, the government missed their affordable purchase home target by 62%, their cost rental target by 59%, their First Home Scheme by 44% and their vacant property refurbishment grant target by 83%.

”The government’s housing plan is not working. In fact, it is making the housing and homeless crisis worse.

“Despite this, Simon Harris, since becoming leader of Fine Gael has said nothing on record child homelessness, missed government affordable and social housing targets, or the continued decline in home ownership.

“Simon Harris clearly does not care about the people who are suffering as a result of this housing crisis. That much is clear from his deafening silence on the housing crisis since elected as leader of Fine Gael over a week ago

“He is just more of the same – out of touch and out of ideas, which is why we need a general election and a change of government if we are to have any hope of tackling the housing and homelessness crisis.”