In Limerick, the average price of a semi-detached three-bedroom home has reached more than €345,000. That is a €25,000 increase compared with the end of 2024. Over 16,000 people across the State are availing of emergency accommodation. At the same time, the Minister has cut the tenant in situ funding. He has also failed to increase funding to tackle voids, leaving more than 200 council home properties always vacant in Limerick in the middle of a housing emergency. Last week, to top it off, the Minister pushed through a Bill that will increase yearly rents by €5,000 for up to 60,000 renters. It is a legacy of failure, missteps and an inability or unwillingness to address any aspect of the housing crisis or treat it as the emergency it is. Prior to last year's election, the Government misled voters about the number of housing completions that took place in 2024. It seems each choice it makes results in it being harder and harder for people to avail of much-needed housing. In June 2024, the Tánaiste stated that the bulk purchasing of homes cannot be tolerated, yet in 2025, 293 homes were bulk-purchased to the value of €88 million. Since 2020, property prices have risen by almost 50%. The housing crisis continues unabated, yet the corporate landlords, investors and developers are making even greater profits. It seems the only actions the Government has taken to combat the bulk purchase of homes was the May 2021 decision to introduce a 10% stamp duty on more than ten homes bought in a 12-month period. We warned this step would not work and it has not worked. Today, we present the Government with a choice: ban the bulk purchasing of homes and help those struggling with a near 50% increase in the cost of living or do not ban bulk purchasing. That is the choice the Government can make. If history is anything to go by, I regret to say that once more, the Government will choose developers and corporate landlords over the needs of average citizens.

Sentiment score: -0.14