Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
Dail Éireann — 2026-04-16
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Simon Harris (FG), Wicklow

First, I thank the Deputy for sharing that story with the Dáil. If the Deputy sends on the details to my office, I will be very happy to engage directly with Dublin City Council. People should not feel that fear if they are in a damp and inadequate property that - I say this not to be disrespectful - the taxpayer is helping to fund. They should not be expected to endure substandard accommodation. Dublin City Council, which is one of our largest local authorities, must intervene there.
I would argue that, when it comes to the issue of the social contract, fair rents being set for social housing is an important part of that, too. It is an important part of getting that balance right. There are significant supports, as there should be, available to help people in need in relation to housing but it is also very important that the rent levels reflect reality. Local authorities, generally, exercise significant restraint in relation to that.
There is obviously a very difficult and very upsetting case there of a man doing his best for his children. If the Deputy is happy to send me the details, I am happy to follow up.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-04-16/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:49+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-16