Housing bill passes second stage in the Dáil

Paul Murphy said in the Dáil that the Government's answer to every issue on housing is: "Constitution says no ... and the Government hides behind it." Picture:Gareth Chaney/Collins

A People Before Profit bill to amend the Constitution to ensure a right to housing has passed second stage in the Dáil.

The bill would amend the constitution to state: "The State, in particular, recognises the common good as including the right to secure, affordable, dignified housing, appropriate to need, for all the residents of Ireland and shall guarantee this right through its laws, policies and the prioritisation of resources.