The current income limits for council housing are completely outdated. They are too low and must be increased urgently. These low income limits have the effect of locking large numbers of low- and middle-income families out of public housing and indeed private home ownership as well. The families do not qualify for council housing or the housing assistance payment, nor will they qualify for a mortgage. They are condemned to private renting at enormous rents for ever more. They cannot save for a deposit. Some of these families have been on council lists for years, only to be removed when the list is removed. I know the Taoiseach will tell me about schemes like help to buy, affordable housing and rent to buy. Large numbers of these families simply cannot avail of these schemes. They live from week to week and cannot save for a deposit. These limits need to be urgently increased. They are unacceptably low at present.

Sentiment score: -0.07