Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

RollingNews.ie

Housing minister to face motion of no confidence in the Dáil next week

The motion being tabled by People Before Profit-Solidarity will take place just days before the Cabinet reshuffle.

LAST UPDATE | 9 Dec 2022

A MOTION OF no confidence in Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien is to be debated in the Dáil next week. 

The motion being tabled by People Before Profit-Solidarity will take place just days before the Cabinet reshuffle.

The motion states that the minister’s housing policies “are creating a catastrophic failure that is tearing apart the social fabric of Irish society”, and calls for O’Brien to be removed from office.

It also notes the failure of the Government to deliver on the “worsening housing and homelessness crisis” which the motion states is “leading to the scapegoating of refugees and International Protection applicants”.

Monthly homeless figures, which rose above 11,397 last month – the highest number ever recorded – are also highlighted in the motion’s text.

Speaking on the motion of no confidence, TD Bríd Smith said:

“We are moving this motion of no confidence in the minister and his government, not for personal reasons, but based on the fact that the housing crisis continues to deteriorate.

“The housing crisis has long been regarded as an emergency, but now we can see that it is an absolute catastrophe. Simply put, our housing system is broken thanks to successive failures of government policy.”

Smith said there is a massive recruitment and retention crisis in our public services due to healthcare workers, emergency services workers, public transport workers, teachers and others not being able to afford rents.

“Many of these workers are choosing to emigrate,” she said.

“We keep hearing from the government that the answer is supply, but we simply do not see that supply materialising. The Government are failing to address this crisis because they are tied to a privatised model of housing delivery on a for profit basis. What we need is a housing model that delivers housing from the state to meet the needs of people,” she added.

Sinn Féin’s housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin, says that the party would be supporting the motion, labelling O’Brien as the “worst Minister for Housing we have ever had”.

“House prices have soared past their Celtic Tiger peak. Rents are astronomical and keep going up, and a record number of people have been pushed into the nightmare of homelessness,” Ó Broin said.
 
“This has happened because the government is wedded to the policies that caused the mess in the first place.
 
“Sinn Féin has no confidence in the Minister for Housing or his plan, or indeed the government he is part of.”

He added that the housing crisis could only be solved through a new Government and new housing policies.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
62 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan McDonagh
    Favourite Alan McDonagh
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 3:10 PM

    Same should be done for Health Minister for the carnage in A&E’s he is presiding over in the North East

    596
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute pat seery
    Favourite pat seery
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 1:36 PM

    Another Waste Of Dail Time

    519
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Daryl Walsh
    Favourite Daryl Walsh
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 1:40 PM

    @pat seery: Agreed. A General election would be a better use of time

    1114
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciaran
    Favourite Ciaran
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 1:46 PM

    @pat seery: it’s a way of PBP etc to stay relevant

    204
    See 23 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Corrigan
    Favourite David Corrigan
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 2:00 PM

    @Ciaran: Here’s a great idea. Let’s just get rid of the opposition altogether and let FF/FG just run roughshod over everyone eh?

    Would you be happy then Ciaran?

    608
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conchuir
    Favourite Conchuir
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 3:05 PM

    @David Corrigan: did he say that, no he didn’t. Everyone knows they will loose 3 or 4 seats in the next election, as SF won’t make the same mistake they did in the last election. Paul Murphy and brid were both carried in my S F mismanagement of the vote

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Cauldhame
    Favourite Frank Cauldhame
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 3:09 PM

    @David Corrigan: Well said David. FFG have never faced such organised opposition and it shows, FFG regard themselves as untouchable.
    Also, lets not forget how bad Simon Harris and the invisible Simon Coveny were as well as ,they were embarrassing such was their ineptitude .

    417
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute DK
    Favourite DK
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 3:11 PM

    We’d likely end up with the same government with maybe a few independents propping them up in exchange for some local deal sweeteners.

    54
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donal Desmond
    Favourite Donal Desmond
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 3:19 PM

    @Ciaran: When you consider when last in opposition FF kept FG in power with a confidence and supply agreement. Bit ironic when Martin is questioned by the opposition he goes apoplectic, when last in opposition Martin and FF failed to hold FG to account. It’s the duty of the opposition to hold the government to account, not to keep them in power.

    332
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tipper Irie
    Favourite Tipper Irie
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 3:45 PM

    @Frank Cauldhame: out of interest. If SF get in what policies do you firmly believe they will actually fulfill?

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciaran
    Favourite Ciaran
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 3:48 PM

    @David Corrigan: well Sf could have gone into power last govt but chose not to … easy to be on the sideline , not so easy playing the match

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Corrigan
    Favourite David Corrigan
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 3:58 PM

    @Conchuir: Read it again. He was suggesting opposition raise the flag only to stay relevant.

    173
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Cauldhame
    Favourite Frank Cauldhame
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 3:58 PM

    @Tipper Irie: The exact opposite of what Fianna Fail did in 2020 prior to the election when Micheal Martin made an utter fool of his party by attacking FG’s record in the previous administration despite the fact that FF agreed a ‘confidence & supply’ deal with them meaning there was basically no main opposition party. FF supported FG in every decision they made leading up to 2020, astonishing considering Martin’s temper strewn venomous lies that were televised. We now know he was spoofing and is a man not to be trusted.

    253
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Corrigan
    Favourite David Corrigan
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 3:58 PM

    @Ciaran: Tell me and the rest of the audience how that could have happened?

    187
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute M Bowe
    Favourite M Bowe
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 4:05 PM

    @pat seery: yeah sure let’s just let the shenanigans continue unchecked as FF/FG has done for a century now.

    202
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute M Bowe
    Favourite M Bowe
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 4:08 PM

    @Ciaran: wanna tell us how that was possible after FFG finally merged into one party as they have similar policies. Give us the maths you have conjured up outa thin air!!

    177
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Mulligan
    Favourite John Mulligan
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 5:04 PM

    @Ciaran: it would take a lot more than that!

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donal Desmond
    Favourite Donal Desmond
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 5:40 PM

    @pat seery: Not really, when you recall Martin and FF kept Varadkar in power when last in opposition. Now that was a waste of time. Little wonder Martin goes apoplectic every time he is questioned by the opposition for doing their duty to hold the government to account.

    105
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Gaffney
    Favourite Chris Gaffney
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 5:54 PM

    @David Corrigan: That’s the best thing you ever said. We could keep Ireland moving better than any other country in Europe!!! Terrible thing….. or we could just leave them all bleating from the sidelines like they are in this case!!

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Gaffney
    Favourite Chris Gaffney
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 5:55 PM

    @Frank Cauldhame: Give my head peace!!

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Corrigan
    Favourite David Corrigan
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 5:57 PM

    @Chris Gaffney: It’s frightening to think you are allowed vote Chris.

    82
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Cauldhame
    Favourite Frank Cauldhame
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 6:01 PM

    @Donal Desmond: His bad temper was mentioned in his interview on The Tonight show this week, he completely dodged the question.
    The look on his face anytime he’s challanged by an opposition TD his face goes red and his eyes venomous. His personal gift is his exceptional ability to spoof.

    98
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ken Miles
    Favourite Ken Miles
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 8:30 PM

    @Tipper Irie: getting rid of FF/FG

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donal Desmond
    Favourite Donal Desmond
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 9:25 PM

    @Ciaran: Think you check your facts. FF refused to even talk to S.F. , F.G. stated SF policy was not compatible with their policy. Varadkar and FG were in a strong position, even though they lost the election, knowing Martin would have to go cap in hand to them to form a government. Especially after Martin stated under no circumstances would he enter government with FG. Of course this from the man who stated there was no bank bailout, well u turns are his party piece.

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew Dillon
    Favourite Andrew Dillon
    Report
    Dec 10th 2022, 1:22 AM

    @Donal Desmond: u turns like “Sin Fein changes it’s stance on special criminal court”??

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Gaffney
    Favourite Chris Gaffney
    Report
    Dec 10th 2022, 9:30 AM

    @David Corrigan: Well hopefully there are enough of us around to outnumber the niave brigade!

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Gaffney
    Favourite Chris Gaffney
    Report
    Dec 10th 2022, 9:32 AM

    @Donal Desmond: And hopefully nobody talks to sf this time round too!

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jimmy Kiely
    Favourite Jimmy Kiely
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 3:51 PM

    Let’s put Darragh Murphy on the streets of country this weekend with a sleeping bag and some cardboard, see how long he would last in this weather.

    That shower that is supposed to be running our country, should to sacked not rewarded with big salaries and all the expense they can dream up.

    267
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Margaret Henry
    Favourite Margaret Henry
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 5:24 PM

    @Jimmy Kiely: who is Darragh Murphy?

    50
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joanne Stokes
    Favourite Joanne Stokes
    Report
    Dec 10th 2022, 9:12 AM

    @Margaret Henry: think he means O’Brien lol

    12
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jimmy Kiely
    Favourite Jimmy Kiely
    Report
    Dec 10th 2022, 1:23 PM

    @Margaret Henry: Sorry Margaret, I put the wrong name in my comment, it should have read Darragh O’Brien.

    Murphy was the previous muppet that got the big salary and expense to feck it up, are you happy now.

    That fact remains they are citizens of our country with no place to call home, and these shower are still getting their big salaries and expense and not willing to really tackle the housing problem, because they are pondering to the builders/ developers.

    They are under the impression that this will keep them in power come the next election.

    This government have started putting billions away for a rainy day fund, which I agree with.

    But I suggest for some it’s not just raining it’s fecking poring, use it now and build the home that are needed now.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pete Gilmartin
    Favourite Pete Gilmartin
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 1:46 PM

    Get the sentiment but this is a complete waste of time and resourses. PBP bring forward a motion of no confidence and the government rally round said minister. That is an entire day wasted because populists want to grandstand while changing literally nothing at all.

    You save the motion until a particular minister is weak and you can get a scalp, that’s just good gamesmanship. PBP weild these motions like a sledgehammer, completely enept and naive politically.

    227
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciaran O'Mara
    Favourite Ciaran O'Mara
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 3:02 PM

    @Pete Gilmartin: a nation holds its breadth.

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Terry
    Favourite David Terry
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 3:55 PM

    @Pete Gilmartin: You are wrong, small Paul will build 100,000 a year.

    25
    See 6 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Dough
    Favourite John Dough
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 4:05 PM

    @Ciaran O’Mara: better than holding its length I suppose.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Allora
    Favourite Allora
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 4:51 PM

    @Pete Gilmartin: there’s merit in what you say & I don’t disagree but at least there is sense of holding this minister to account. I welcome this even if it’s futile. It will be noted in the future that this incompetent minister was at least forced to defend himself in the Dáil because of his ineptitude. That’s important to get that on the record surely.

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Mulligan
    Favourite John Mulligan
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 5:05 PM

    @David Terry: paid for by extra taxes on the rich (people with jobs).

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ronan Skelly
    Favourite Ronan Skelly
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 10:50 PM

    @Pete Gilmartin: it’s part of the job of the opposition to hold government to account…. it’s not meant to be a game as you refer to it .. it’s about running the country for the people… not the rich few. Although I am not a pbp voter…I do believe that votes of no confidence force people to go on the record to either support a hopeless minister…or not…then let the electorate decide come next election. Whoever does not support this motion is saying that he is doing a good job…and those who do are saying clearly that they believe he is not doing it well… it’s actually a very simple process… not a game.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Terry
    Favourite David Terry
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 11:45 PM

    @Ronan Skelly: Why dont PBP go labouring on a building site next Tuesday. That would not be a waste if time!

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Gaffney
    Favourite Chris Gaffney
    Report
    Dec 10th 2022, 9:39 AM

    @David Terry: He would need a much bigger logo box from santa!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nurse on call
    Favourite Nurse on call
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 5:55 PM

    No confidence!!! He should be sent to prison with the rest of the shower of wasters. Someone add roderick o Gorman to that list please. Pensioners who have worked a hard long life sitting on trolleys for 4 days because there’s no bed or staff but he decides to add another 72,000 people into the country. No housing, no doctors but keep giving them cash that’ll fix it.

    170
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute trebloc01
    Favourite trebloc01
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 1:58 PM

    We wronged Eoghan Murphy , this fellow is a bigger spoofer

    203
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean
    Favourite Sean
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 2:08 PM

    @trebloc01: They are all spoofers! You can’t get the job unless you’re a spoofer. It’s top of the candidate selection criteria list.

    404
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat Barry
    Favourite Pat Barry
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 2:29 PM

    @Sean: Career change for you maybe? Make a difference? – It’s not too hard to get to the top of Ireland’s greasy pole.

    43
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen Kearon
    Favourite Stephen Kearon
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 4:14 PM

    @trebloc01: it’s thanks to Minister Darragh O’Brien that over 55,000 homes were either commenced (27,417) or completed (27,773). The number of completions in the first three quarters of 2022 was greater than the total for 2021 or any full year since the CSO completions series began. In its recent Autumn Economic Commentary, the ESRI has increased its completions forecast to 28,000 units for 2022, compared to a Housing for All target of 24,600.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute M Bowe
    Favourite M Bowe
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 4:29 PM

    @Stephen Kearon: how many of those builds are affordable family homes,or social housing? The use of public lands to provide build to rent apartments in hands of vultures is not in the interest of the citizens of this island.

    101
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Gaffney
    Favourite Chris Gaffney
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 5:57 PM

    @M Bowe: It does however provide homes for some people who need them that would not have otherwise been built?? Or do these people not matter??

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Cauldhame
    Favourite Frank Cauldhame
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 8:02 PM

    @M Bowe: 10 years after the bailout which we the public paid for, scandal after scandal, false promises after false promises and the Homelessness Crisis is getting worse not better. Someone is not doing their homework properly that’s for sure.

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Richard Starling
    Favourite Richard Starling
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 2:05 PM

    Government parties will unite for once instead of getting the incompetent out of office

    154
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan Moran
    Favourite Declan Moran
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 5:37 PM

    Let him sleep a few nights on the streets. Won’t be long sorting things out. There needs to be a big cleanout next week for this reshuffle. Straight to mind, housing, health & education.

    87
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciaran Burke
    Favourite Ciaran Burke
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 7:37 PM

    He absolutely must go. He won’t, but he has failed in his brief. If he went, it would be a boost for the current government showing accountability for failure in his brief. Both the minister of housing and the minister for education should be removed, given this week’s do what I say, not what I do scandal.

    66
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Barrycelona
    Favourite Barrycelona
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 3:38 PM

    Yet again, the goal is to go back to the drawing board and start all over again. If it does succeed, it will only mean several Depts being reshuffled. The problem has more to do with monies and policies than the actual minister. (I am no fan of the minister). The money is there but the policies have failed. Surely it is time, especially in a National Emergency, to bring all parties together and get an all party solution and let them all do their patriotic duty. This is not just about building houses, it is about building communities.

    55
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute M Bowe
    Favourite M Bowe
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 4:13 PM

    @Barrycelona: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/vote/dail/33/2022-11-23/133/
    All the above TDs who voted TÁ tell us the is NO housing emergency.
    Make sure that none of them get any preference votes at all on your ballot paper at next election.

    122
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Christopher Byrne
    Favourite Christopher Byrne
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 6:17 PM

    Get Del Boy out and let the next hapless FFG’er have a pretend go a building houses. I’m sure Dr Soundbite can pull someone up from the trough to put in a stint

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Gaffney
    Favourite Chris Gaffney
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 5:52 PM

    STUNT TIME AGAIN??? TOTAL WASTE OF TIME. TRIVIAL OPPOSITION….

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciaran Burke
    Favourite Ciaran Burke
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 7:45 PM

    @Chris Gaffney: They are the opposition; it’s their duty to challenge the competency of ministers on such a vital matter of national importance. It’s an economic issue as well. How long can the current government ignore housing? It’s pushing people like me to consider leaving. With my company, I could request a transfer to the UK and also work as an independent contractor on the side. It’s not ideal. I don’t want to leave my home, but 280,000 for a disadvantaged area in Dubin is not affordable for me at the moment. I’m giving it two years here, and if there is still no change to the availability and price of housing, I’m going to have to leave.

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Gaffney
    Favourite Chris Gaffney
    Report
    Dec 10th 2022, 9:36 AM

    @Ciaran Burke: I really would like to know the answer to a very simple question. How to sf hope to change the situation. Our planning regulations are dictating the cosy of building homes and what magic ideas do sf have to make homes more affordable?? Maybe 100k.or 200k grants. Maybe an end to planning challenges…..I just would love a simple answer instead of the constant useless bleating from the sidelines…..

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Neil Harvey
    Favourite Neil Harvey
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 10:17 PM

    The rheoric needs to end. The time for real action and progress is long overdue!
    We need a working group not based on party politics that can make decisions based on the best interests of our country rather than the interests of the current minister for housing!

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute a
    Favourite a
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 10:23 PM

    Ah no….sure he has promised “housing for all”

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sean de paore
    Favourite sean de paore
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 8:20 PM

    Totally waste of time from the PBP drama kings and queens

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joanne Stokes
    Favourite Joanne Stokes
    Report
    Dec 10th 2022, 9:22 PM

    A housing minister who thinks there is no housing crisis needs to go….

    7
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds