Taoiseach, Soc Dems clash over housing in heated Dáil row

Social Democrats' housing spokesman Rory Hearne and Taoiseach Micheál Martin engaged in a heated exchange during Leaders' Questions, accusing each other of ideological hypocrisy and a failure to address the housing crisis. Hearne accused Martin of being out of touch with the human toll of the crisis, citing the 5,830 children in emergency accommodation in his constituency.

He criticized Martin for handing over public land to private developers, which he believes led to the crisis. Martin dismissed Hearne's assessment as "disingenuous and dishonest," stating he is indeed focused on housing and that his ideology is hindering faster delivery. Hearne accused Martin of refusing to ban no-fault evictions, reverse rental changes, and stop investor funds from buying up properties.

He cited a Deloitte report, which found Ireland would miss its 2030 housing target by over 120,000 homes. He said the median price of a home has risen by €140,000 over six years of a Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael government, making it difficult for young people to afford housing. Martin rejected Hearne's narrative, insisting the government has made substantial progress and that Ireland ranks as the fastest in Europe for house construction.

He highlighted the delivery of 70,000 social houses in the last six years, compared to nearly half that between 2015 and 2020, and pointed to a significant increase in commencements, mortgages drawn down, and houses completed in 2026.