Mick Clifford: Ireland has a housing emergency that is being met without urgency

An emergency requires drastic action that will discommode many if not most sections of society. Yet, in housing, all we have seen is a few tweaks here and there

The commission's report recommends that 20% of housing stock should be social and cost rental. Picture Denis Minihane.

On Wednesday, the Housing Commission report was published. It is a hefty document full of good research and recommendations, designed to set out how the State can address the biggest social and economic problem right now. 

One line jumps out: “It is crucial that the housing deficit is addressed through emergency action.”