Government rejects Sinn Fein Bill on right to housing

A Bill to enshrine the right to housing in the Constitution was introduced in the Dáil last night. Sinn Féin's environment spokesman, Mr Arthur Morgan, who drew up the legislation, said that the absence of such a right had contributed to the "unprecedented housing crisis in this State".

However, the Government rejected the 27th amendment to the Constitution Bill and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal, Mr Noel Ahern, said a statutory right to housing would be a "step backwards" as it would "threaten our ability to prioritise housing policies and measures in favour of those most in need".

Mr Morgan said his party did not believe that the insertion of a constitutional right would "magically" resolve the housing and homeless crisis, but that it would need to be followed by legislation which would "bring about the progressive realisation of this right".

The Louth TD believed that a "constitutional right to housing will bring about a fundamental change in how we as legislators address the housing crisis and the housing needs of the people"

Mr Ahern said however that an approach "based on the assertion of personal legal rights could allow less needy persons to litigate their way to the front in the order of priorities".

The Bill was introduced during Private Members' time and the debate on the legislation will conclude tonight.