Homelessness crisis: Five ways to tackle the issues

1 Appoint a government minister for housing and establish an Oireachtas committee on housing

Such a minister would have power to address issues falling within the remit of several government departments, including Social Protection, Public Expenditure and Reform, Health and Environment.

An Oireachtas committee on housing could examine issues, including regulation of the rented sector and whether article 43 of the Constitution should be repealed.

2 Build the right kind of housing

Demand for the purchase of three-bedroom homes is falling. Demand for smaller homes to rent is increasing.

Specific populations to be catered for include students, single people, couples without children, transitory workers and older people.

Investment in the “build-to-let” sector must be encouraged.

3 Reduce the vacancy rate across all housing types

The average vacancy rate in functioning housing markets in other countries is 3-4 per cent.

But in Dublin the rate is 7 per cent (about 42,000 units) while outside Dublin it is 17 per cent (about 300,000).

It was suggested the CSO gather data on vacant housing while calling door-to-door to conduct the census this month.

4 Make home-building profitable

The Government "take" from the price of a new home is 36 per cent. The cost of housebuilding would be reduced if levies, taxes and VAT were each reduced by small amounts, the Construction Industry Federation said.

It also said Central Bank rules that new mortgages cannot exceed 3½ times a borrower's income, and that first-time buyers must have a 20 per cent deposit, should be relaxed to increase the pool of potential buyers.

5 Stop relying on the private sector to provide social housing

The forum heard Government strategy is to house up to 80 per cent of new social housing tenants in the private rented sector, supported with rent allowance and the new Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).

Instead, it was suggested local authorities should construct estates of up to 2,000 dwellings, but avoid creating the “ghettos” of the past by providing services for vibrant communities, such as public transport links, shops, parks, playgrounds, schools and recreational facilities.

Local authorities should be funded to buy houses where there was urgent need.