Since the Government was formed, nearly 2,000 eviction notices have been issued to renters in County Galway. Every week, people come to my constituency office who have received a notice to quit and have no idea where they will go because the rental market they face is totally unaffordable. Rents across the State have risen by 80% compared with ten years ago. Within the past year alone, the rent for an average home in County Galway has risen by more than 10%. Lack of supply and unaffordable prices have not happened by accident. They are the direct consequence of failed Government policy. The legislation brought forward in March has allowed rents to be hiked even further and has led to a surge in evictions. The Government knew that would be the consequence. It is shameful. Our motion sets out the real solution we need, which is the provision of actually affordable housing. Unfortunately, this stands in direct contrast to the Government's approach. After years of waiting, the first affordable housing scheme in Galway East was finally announced for Athenry in recent weeks. However, to own one of those affordable homes, first-time buyers must pay out between €425,000 and €475,000. How on earth can the Government call that affordable housing for first-time buyers? What planet is the Minister of State living on? It is an absolute insult to people. When I went to the information evening on the scheme in Athenry last week, people there were absolutely disgusted when the prices were outlined to them. The scheme will be of no benefit to anybody currently locked out of home ownership, even with the equity stake taken out of the price. We have rising numbers of eviction notices, rip-off rents and unaffordable house prices. The Government's record is clear and it shows complete failure. If it cannot or will not implement the solutions outlined in this motion to deliver homes that ordinary families can afford, it is time for it to go.

Sentiment score: -0.18