People on waiting lists for social housing should be accommodated in "flotels" as a temporary measure, the deputy leader of Fine Gael, Mr Jim Mitchell, has proposed.
Mr Mitchell said that as a "radical interim measure" he supported the introduction of the flotels which would accommodate people who had been approved for a house, up to a maximum period of two years.
This form of accommodation has previously been considered by the Government as floating reception centres for asylum-seekers.
Speaking at the annual conference of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers, Mr Mitchell also said he favoured the introduction of a social guarantee for returning migrants and first-time buyers to purchase a family home or apartment in any part of the State for £120,000.