John Halligan backs referendum on right to a home

A junior minister has backed calls for a referendum to enshrine the right to a home in the Constitution, saying the protection for vulnerable people is “obviously” needed.

John Halligan, minister of state for training and skills, said the move must happen amid continuing criticism of the Government’s failure to adequately tackle the homelessness crisis.

Speaking yesterday as the Oireachtas housing committee continued to draw up a plan to address the issue, Mr Halligan — who is not a member of the cross-party group — told RTÉ Radio the problem has to be resolved.