Housing Minister 'cannot say' if new housing targets will come before general election
Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien said that it was 'only right and fair' that people can understand how the government would deliver on any new housing targets. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA
The Housing Minister has declined to say whether or not the Government will agree new housing targets before the upcoming general election.
In recent weeks, there has been a push from Taoiseach Simon Harris for new housing targets to be agreed in advance of the general election.
However, time is now running out for a decision to be made on revised targets for the next five years, with Mr Harris expected to dissolve the Dáil next week and call a general election for Friday, November 29.
Darragh O’Brien could not say if a decision would be made at Cabinet, saying only that there would be a discussion among government ministers.
Asked directly if the decision would be made, Mr O’Brien said:
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Mr O’Brien said that work is still ongoing on revised housing targets for the remainder of the decade.
He cited the new national planning framework, which is yet to be completed, as an important factor in setting out the targets.
Mr O’Brien said that it was “only right and fair” that people can understand how the government would deliver on any new housing targets.
The minister added that parties would set out their housing priorities in their election manifestos.
Meanwhile, Tánaiste Micheál Martin is expected to update Cabinet on Ireland’s priorities as the EU works on its new policy agenda for the next five years.
He will say that Ireland is due to focus on the rule of law, equality and democracy, while also pursuing reforms to simplify regulations for small and medium-sized businesses.
In addition, Justice Minister Helen McEntee is set to publish a report on the impact of “accelerated processing” on the international protection process two years after its introduction.
A total of 1,792 deportation orders have been signed this year to date, up 140% on the same period last year.
Cabinet will hear that the number of enforced deportations has also increased by 165% on the same period in 2023.
There has been an overall 71% reduction in applications received from the eight countries initially included on the safe country list.
Education Minister Norma Foley is to update Cabinet on a taskforce that was established to deal with the provision of special education in Dublin 15.
The taskforce is due to advise on the introduction of a common application process for schools in the area, where parents will only make one application for the 2025/2026 school year.
This is aimed at easing pressure on parents and giving further insight into demand for special classes.
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