FF may reconsider support if housing plan gaps not addressed

Fianna Fáil’s spokesman on housing Barry Cowen said the party would reconsider its support for a Fine Gael-minority Government if gaps in housing report are not addressed.

Mr Cowen said there are a number of areas that have not been addressed by the Minister including the rental market, student accommodation and the housing committee's proposal to introduce a moratorium on home repossessions.

He said: “There are gaps in this strategy that have to be filled. We will make proposals to fill them in the event of them not doing so.

“If after that process is complete we feel this Government cannot address this crisis we are going to have to look for another Government to do it.”

Mr Cowen said the Fine Gael-Government has taken a laissez faire attitude to the housing crisis.

He said Fianna Fáil had insisted on the crisis being tackled in return for their support for a minority Government.

The Fianna Fáil TD said there were aspects that should be welcomed but he insisted there were areas neglected by the Minister.