Time for Government to appoint a Minister for Housing, says property group

A group representing the property and construction sectors is calling for the appointment of a Minister for Housing.

A group representing the property and construction sectors is calling for the appointment of a Cabinet Minister for Housing.

Property Industry Ireland claims ongoing rows between ministers about rent and housing show the current system is not working.

The group - run by employers' lobby IBEC - says 12 Government departments and agencies have an input into housing policy.

It said that creating a single Government department for Housing would provide "much-needed leadership" in this area.

Currently, Paudie Coffey is Minister of State with special responsibility for Housing, Planning and Co-ordination of the Construction 2020 Strategy, as part of the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.