Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020
270. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff that have been assigned to work on preparations for the right to housing referendum from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39550/20]
View answer271. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has sought legal advice on the proposed wording of the right to housing referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39551/20]
View answer272. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered the proposed wording for the right to housing referendum put forward by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39552/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 270 to 272, inclusive, together.
As I outlined to the House on the 6th October last, the commitments in relation to Constitutional reform in the Programme for Government provide for the holding of a referendum on housing.
My Department has begun the initial work on scoping the complex issues involved and will in due course make recommendations on how we might progress such a referendum. This work has been assigned to a Unit of my Department that has 12 staff members. Additional referendum related resources will be added as the process moves along.
I am aware of the engagement between the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Home for Good coalition that took place on 3rd November 2020 at which the coalition put forward their suggested wording for a referendum on a right to housing. Following consultation with my colleagues in Government as to the proposal that should be put to the electorate, it is my intention that a wider consultation will take place to capture the views of relevant stakeholders, including those such as the Home for Good coalition. Work on the referendum is not at the stage of seeking legal advice as yet.
