Mary Heavey: Ireland’s housing policy and the right to housing

The lifting of the eviction ban has focused fresh attention on Ireland’s housing policy, and the inadequacy of existing measures to address the housing and homelessness crisis

A referendum to insert a standalone right to housing into our constitution represents a crucial moment for the Irish population to ground Ireland’s housing policy in the foundational laws of the State. Picture: Keith Heneghan

The lifting of the eviction ban at the end of March has focused fresh attention on Ireland’s housing policy, and the inadequacy of existing measures to address the current housing and homelessness crisis.

It is disappointing that, in the face of this deepening crisis and growing public despair, the recommendations of the Housing Commission on a referendum on housing have been further delayed.