Minister deluded on his housing ‘achievements’

EVERY so often a Government minister gives a cameo which brings into sharp focus the disconnect between the Cabinet and the world inhabited by those who are struggling to get by. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy was out yesterday trumpeting progress on the first anniversary of his incumbency. He even compiled a detailed list of ‘achievements’.

It will be instructive to note whether he forwards said accomplishment to Pope Francis before he visits Ireland. The Pope intends visiting the Capuchin Centre in Dublin, drawing a spotlight to our homeless scandal.

One might have thought that a quick perusal of the statistics might have tempered any impulse on Mr Murphy’s part for congratulation.

There were 9,652 people homeless in the week of April 23, 2018 across Ireland. This figure includes adults and children with their families.

The number of families becoming homeless has increased by 34pc since April 2017.

On the same day Mr Murphy was highlighting his success, the UN Special Rapporteur on housing warned that vulture funds have snapped up Nama properties and loans to generate huge returns to the detriment of Irish families.

One year later, we are going backwards, not forwards in the provision of houses for people.

If Mr Murphy believes this is satisfactory then he is in a minority of one.