Prioritise supply ahead of housing referendum, Ryan says

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The supply of homes is more of a priority than a referendum on housing, Eamon Ryan has said.

His comments come after the Housing Commission’s proposed wording for a change to the constitution was published last week.

It suggested wording for an amendment which would include an explicit recognition by the State of the fundamental importance of having a home to both individuals and society as well as a specific guarantee for access to housing.

However, a minority report from the commission published at the same time cast doubt on the necessity of a referendum as the authors found there was no “constitutional barrier” for the Government to take steps to address the housing crisis.

It found that the proposal to hold a referendum to correct perceptions or demonstrate a commitment to the housing crisis is “misguided and unjustifiable”.

If there must be a referendum, the minority report authors argue it should provide for an obligation on the State to draw up a long-term plan on housing and to implement that plan progressively.

Ultimately, it is for housing minister Darragh O’Brien to bring policy proposals to Cabinet on any potential referendum on the matter.

Asked for his views on Monday, Mr Ryan said: “I think we need to focus on the building and the delivery.

“That’s actually the key thing the people want.

“We can get into a long row about the wording of a referendum but, first thing’s first, we need to invest.”

Speaking to reporters at the National Economic Dialogue in Dublin, Mr Ryan said there was a particular need to invest in cost-rental properties and bringing vacant buildings into use.

“That’s what the Greens particularly influenced in Government and, I’ll be honest, that would be our priority – getting supply.”