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The latest ‘Locked Out of the Market’ report published by the Simon Communities of Ireland shows that current policy is failing our communities, according to Social Democrats candidate for Galway West Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich Míde said: “It is terrifying that, as of the end of December, no properties were available under Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) thresholds […]

The government must increase Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) rates on an emergency basis to avoid a tsunami of homelessness, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The latest ‘Locked Out of the Market’ report from the Simon Communities of Ireland will come as a further blow […]

The government’s Residential Tenancies Bill will push thousands more people into homelessness and make renting increasingly unviable, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The government’s intention to ram through this cruel and deeply flawed piece of legislation tonight represents a complete capitulation to large investor […]

The government’s dilution of short-term rental restrictions is a slap in the face for renters, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “The changes to regulations, that were agreed by coalition leaders last night on short-term lets, will now restrict new rules to towns with populations of more than 20,000 – […]

Today’s homeless numbers are a result of a government which has deprioritised housing to a degree which is causing severe harm to thousands of people, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “Today’s figures show there were 16,734 people living in homeless emergency accommodation at the end of December. Shockingly, over […]

The government must not introduce disastrous rental measures which will allow landlords to increase rents between tenancies, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “There’s huge concern and fear among renters that the rental measures discussed at Cabinet today will lead to higher rents – every expert at the Oireachtas Housing […]

Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne has described the increase in the number of older adults falling into homelessness as a ticking timebomb for the State. Deputy Hearne was responding to today’s publication of a report by the Simon Communities of Ireland examining older people’s experiences of homelessness. He said: “This report highlights significant gaps […]

A Social Democrats’ motion calling on Dublin City Council to recognise housing as a fundamental human right was carried last night. The motion, tabled by Cllr Lesley Byrne, outlined a number of actions the council must take to enshrine this principle in all its housing policies and actions. Speaking on the matter, Social Democrats housing […]

A Social Democrats’ motion calling on Dublin City Council to recognise housing as a fundamental human right will be debated by councillors on Monday. The motion, tabled by Cllr Lesley Byrne, outlines a number of actions the council must take to enshrine this principle in all its housing policies and actions. It sets out the […]

The publication of the latest homelessness figures today represents the worst possible start to 2026 for those at the sharp edge of the housing crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s spokesperson on housing, said: “Another grim record has been set for homelessness under Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael. Today […]