The Government has been urged to rethink its housing policy in light of Brexit and “to apply more dynamic thinking” to solving the crisis. A report by the Oireachtas Housing Committee criticises several aspects of Government policy, including its increasing use of rent supports such as Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), which, it says, is adding to rental pressure in the market. The committee also raised concern about the Government’s social housing policy, suggesting the targets laid down in Rebuilding Ireland may need to be be “reviewed and amended”. IssuesThese issues need to be addressed if the State is to develop a robust housing sector capable of meeting current and future demands, it said. “However, if Brexit results in increased immigration to Ireland this will exacerbate demand and most likely increase housing costs as a result,” it said.

Source: The Irish Times February 07, 2019 12:22 UTC