The Right to Housing: Protection or Pandora’s Box?

Niall talks to housing campaigner Peter Dooley about a proposal from Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne to put a constitutional right to housing before the Irish people.

Hearne is bringing forward a Bill using wording proposed by the Housing Commission, arguing that putting a right to housing into the Constitution would place a legal responsibility on the State to ensure people have access to adequate housing. He has said this could require stronger measures to prevent homelessness and evictions.

Supporters believe a secure and affordable home should be recognised as a basic right and that constitutional protection would force successive governments to take the housing crisis more seriously.

Critics question exactly what such a right would mean in practice, how far the State’s legal obligations could extend and whether the Constitution should guarantee housing rather than access to shelter and support. The Housing Commission itself did not reach unanimous agreement on the issue, with the Government previously describing it as complex.

Niall and Peter debate what a constitutional right to housing could actually mean for homeowners, renters, landlords and taxpayers.

Would you vote Yes to put a right to housing into the Constitution?