Letters: Social and affordable housing is the only way forward for Ireland

All such initiatives to date have contained significant benefits for developers, landlords and landowners, and all have failed to make even a dent in the crisis.
The excessive faith in financial incentives is a serious mistake, usually made by diehard, free-market ideologues, and we can see the long shadow of their handiwork in our failures in the provision of all social goods.
When asked to explain this latest initiative, the minister's reply was the usual 'supply is the problem'. The solution is to offer even more incentives to private entities operating in the sector.
But surely under-supply is a symptom of the real problem: government policy that outsources the provision of all housing to the market.
The expectation that the 'market' would partner with the Government to help close the yawning gap between supply and demand is, at best, delusional. First-year students of economics know that the market thrives when demand outstrips supply.
It is beyond naive to believe that those who are gaining significantly from the current imbalance would contribute in any meaningful way to changing things.
So long as the Governments insists on treating the symptom, the problem will not only persist but worsen. The real solution is for the Government to focus all its resources on the provision of social and affordable housing.
Jim O'Sullivan, Rathedmond, Co Sligo
US is now sliding towards a dictatorship, but not enough is said about it
As I viewed the video footage of US Democratic senator Alex Padilla being forced to the ground and handcuffed by security guards at a news conference, I was appalled.
It happened after the senator tried to ask US homeland secretary Kristi Noem about the Trump administration policy in targeting immigrants.
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California governor Gavin Newsom is correct in describing the incident as 'outrageous, dictatorial and shameful'.
This is scary stuff. It's beyond the pale that a sitting US senator should be treated in such an abominable fashion.
I am aware this was a news conference, but in this instance I believe the senator had every right to call for an end to the violence on the streets of Los Angeles.
The reality here is that if people around the world decide to stay silent, the US won't survive.
It appears to me America is on the edge of dictatorship. This is why powerful voices across institutions, from politics to academia and religion, must speak out.
John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
Compassion is not a sign of weakness, and Geldof was right to call out Musk
I found myself unexpectedly cheering Bob Geldof's tirade against Elon Musk and others who seem to regard empathy as some sort of evolutionary glitch ('Geldof brands Musk a sociopathic loser in tirade against UK and American leaders' – June 13).
It's a relief to see someone remind our leaders – at full volume – that compassion isn't weakness. When he calls Musk a 'ketamine-crazed fool' from a London stage and still raises nearly a million pounds for the world's poorest people, it's hard not to clap along.
Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh
'Soccer-style' shootouts in hurling miss the point of the real beautiful game
The Munster Hurling Championship has always been a gem in the sporting calendar. I have attended ­finals going back to the early 1970s.
I fully understand that in the event of a draw it is unfair to ask amateurs with club commitments to group together for a replay. But hurling has many alternatives to a penalty shootout. Frankly, a coin toss would be better. The penalty system emanates from soccer, and hurling in no way replicates the scoring system.
There are other options, such as sudden death, as we see in hockey. Or we could have a diverse system that would replicate true hurling skills.
We could have a one-point penalty, followed by one-point frees from various angles and distances – including sideline cuts. The shootout could keep going from greater distances. It would offer the greatest range of skills.
Gerard Walsh, Ontario, Canada
Iran needs regime change, but Israeli bombs are not the way to bring this about
Once again Benjamin Netanyahu has shown he will do what he wants, whenever he wants, regardless of consequences.
Having lived and worked in Iran, I fully agree that a change of government is needed in the interests of the Iranian people. There are ways to achieve this, but not by Israel bombing the country.
However, seemingly having a 'free hand' to deal with the Palestine issue, Netanyahu clearly feels he can turn his attention elsewhere in pursuit of his 'objectives' while the free world continues to stand by.
Michael Moriarty, Rochestown, Co Cork
I'll keep this one short, as I have height of respect for relationships and tall tales
Reading Tanya Sweeney's article about women who insist on dating tall men (June 12) reminded me of the woman who ended her relationship with a much taller man who had cheated on her.
On reflection, she consoled herself with the belief that it was better to have loved and lost than never to have loved a tall.
Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9
We should all cherish our amazing seas, while at the same time keeping safe
Kathy Donaghy's article ('My brush with death shows importance of staying safe when taking to the water', June 7) reminded me of how macho and brave I thought I was as I enjoyed swimming in the sea my younger days.
I congratulate Kathy on her excellent piece. It has taken me many years to learn that while we should relish 'the fantastic benefits and joy of the water', as she puts it, the sea must be given the respect it deserves, no matter how beautiful it is.
The importance of staying safe when taking to the water can never be overstated.

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Irish Examiner

an hour ago

• Irish Examiner

15 Irish citizens being evacuated from Israel, Tánaiste says

15 Irish citizens are being evacuated from Israel amid the escalating conflict with Iran, Tánaiste Simon Harris has confirmed. The Government is working to evacuate a number of citizens from Israel and Iran, with approximately 200 based in the former and 29 in the latter. 'Right now there is an evacuation underway of 15 Irish citizens and their dependents, so 15 in total,' Mr Harris said. 'We've been working closely with EU counterparts in relation to that, and I hope to be in a position to issue further details on that shortly.' When the evacuation is complete, Mr Harris said the Government will have dealt with all current evacuation requests for Israel. The Tánaiste confirmed there were a number of citizens in Iran who wished to be evacuated, with work underway to try and get them out of the country. 'It's not easy work as you can imagine, the airspace is closed and the only way of being evacuated is over land border with often long journeys that are not without difficulty and not without danger,' Mr Harris said. The Fine Gael leader said the actions of the US President overnight had 'added a new layer of complexity and volatility to an already very dangerous tinderbox'. He added there is a 'real risk of spillover' in the conflict that could see it escalate into a further regional war. 'There is a real risk, by either a miscalculation or by intent, that already a very dangerous conflict spreads between the two countries involved,' Mr Harris said. Mr Harris also raised concerns about the possibility of oil routes being shut down, which would be a 'further economic worry'. The Tánaiste also confirmed his call with the Iranian deputy foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, saying he was 'full of anger' over the attacks by Israel and the US. Mr Harris said Mr Takht-Ravanchi outlined the Iranian position that the US and Israel would need to 'learn lessons and pay a price'. He said the Government would continue to push for negotiations to end the war, adding there was 'no alternative' to diplomacy. It comes ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday, with discussions set to be dominated by the escalating war between Israel and Iran. Urgent need to 'de-escalate' tensions There is an urgent need to 'de-escalate' tensions in the Middle East after the US carried out strikes against Iran, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said. Mr Martin called on 'all actors' in the Middle East to de-escalate the situation. "Diplomacy and dialogue is ultimately the only way to resolve these issues. Iran should commit not to develop nuclear weapons and disavow its nuclear and uranium enrichment programme,' Mr Martin said. "Nuclear safety is an issue here. Modern warfare is very destructive. It is civilians who ultimately suffer and that is why we need an end to these wars and an end to conflict.' Speaking to RTÉ, Mr Martin said the world should not forget about 'the catastrophe that is still unfolding in Gaza' while the war between Israel and Iran is ongoing. This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows damage at the Fordo enrichment facility in Iran after U.S. strikes, Sunday, June 22, 2025. Picture: Maxar Technologies via AP Tánaiste Simon Harris said he was "closely monitoring" the situation in Iran after the overnight strikes by the US. It is understood that Mr Harris has spoken with the Iranian deputy foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, after the overnight attacks. The call took place due to a request from Iran's government, with similar calls also taking place between Iranian officials and counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt in recent days. Mr Harris was said to have expressed 'grave concern' at the overnight escalation, while adding it was important Iran engaged in formal talks to de-escalate the conflict. "The risk of an extremely dangerous spiral of escalation in relation to Iran and Israel is now more real and more likely than ever before," Mr Harris said. "There is an urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy." Mr Harris said: "Europe, including Ireland, is fully united in the clear view that Iran should not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. "The way to address this was always through a negotiated solution. Any alternative to that is simply too dangerous for civilians, for the Middle East region and for global security." He added that discussions would be taking place among EU foreign ministers in the hours ahead to consider "the next steps Europe can usefully play to support de-escalation". Mr Harris added he is aware of the large contingent of Irish peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon, saying he is receiving regular updates from the chief of staff of the Defence Forces. Mr Harris said the US President's actions have resulted in an 'extraordinarily dangerous escalation of a conflict that could already be described as a tinderbox'. 'I need to be very clear and very blunt. We're now entering a moment of particular danger, because I think the chances now of a spiral of escalation are more likely than ever before,' Mr Harris said, speaking on RTÉ Radio's This Week. 'There is a real chance of the international community losing all control of this very, very volatile conflict.' Asked if international law norms have gone out the window, Mr Harris said it was 'sadly true'. 'The only way this will be resolved and the only way really people can step back from the brink now is through de-escalation, diplomacy and dialogue,' Mr Harris said. On Irish citizens seeking to leave Iran, Mr Harris said it was an 'ongoing situation' but he would have a significant update later on Sunday.

Irish Post

2 hours ago

• Irish Post

Tánaiste warns of 'spiral of escalation' following US attacks on Iran's nuclear sites

TÁNAISTE Simon Harris has warned of a 'spiral of escalation' following US attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities. Speaking last night, US President Donald Trump said American strikes had 'completely and totally obliterated' the sites at Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. Iran's Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, has called the attacks a 'grave and unprecedented violation' of international law and called on the UN Security Council to 'unequivocally condemn this criminal act of aggression by the United States'. Tensions rose in the region on Friday, June 13 after Israel launched a series of strikes on six cities in Iran, citing concerns over the country's nuclear capabilities. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 21, 2025 Iran, who says its nuclear development programme is solely for peaceful purposes such as energy, responded with retaliatory strikes. Trump said this week that he had yet to decide whether to get involved in the conflict but after confirming the strikes last night, hailed them 'a spectacular military success'. "There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days," he added. In a separate social media post (above), the president of the US ­wrote: "A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow… NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!" 'Urgent need for de-escalation' In a statement today, the Tánaiste said he was 'closely monitoring' the situation following the strikes. "The risk of an extremely dangerous spiral of escalation in relation to Iran and Israel is now more real and more likely than ever before," said Mr Harris. "There is an urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. "This has been the focus of my engagement with EU partners and countries in the region since this current crisis began. "It will remain Ireland's priority in the hours and days ahead. Later today, I will travel to Brussels for a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers. "Europe, including Ireland, is fully united in the clear view that Iran should not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. "The way to address this was always through a negotiated solution. Any alternative to that is simply too dangerous for civilians, for the Middle East region and for global security." Tánaiste Simon Harris has called for 'de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy' (Image: JORDAN / AFP via Getty Images) He added: "I am also very conscious of the large presence of Irish peacekeeping troops in Southern Lebanon and their safety is of paramount importance. "I continue to receive regular updates from the Chief of Staff on measures being taken to keep them safe at this volatile time. "We remain in close contact with our Embassies in the region and are supporting those Irish citizens who wish to leave. Staff from our Embassy in Tehran departed Iran on Friday." His words were echoed by the Taoiseach, who similarly claimed that Iran should not be allowed to develop nuclear capabilities. "There is an urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy in the Middle East," said Micheál Martin. "Iran should unequivocally disavow the development of nuclear weapons. A negotiated solution is the way forward. "We remain in close contact with international partners ahead of the EU Council." In a statement to the United Nations Security Council on Friday, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Mariano Grossi said: "The IAEA can guarantee, through a watertight inspections system, that nuclear weapons will not be developed in Iran." Speaking this morning, Mr Grossi said he will call an emergency meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors tomorrow. US has 'launched a dangerous war' against Iran In a statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry dubbed America's strikes a 'brutal military aggression against Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities'. "The world must not forget that it was the United States that, in the midst of a diplomatic process, betrayed diplomacy by supporting the genocidal and lawbreaking Israeli regime to impose a war of aggression on the Iranian nation," it added. "Now, in completion of that regime's unlawful and criminal acts, the United States itself has launched a dangerous war against the Islamic Republic of Iran. "It has now become abundantly clear to all that the very regime which enjoys permanent membership in the Security Council is beholden to no principle or morality and will stop at no illegality or crime to serve the aims of a genocidal, occupying regime." The Washington-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that as of Saturday night, 865 people had been killed in Iran by Israeli strikes, including 363 civilians, with almost 3,400 injured. Meanwhile, Israel said 23 people had been injured on Friday by Iranian strikes in the north of the country. See More: Donald Trump, Iran, Israel, Simon Harris

Extra.ie​

4 hours ago

• Extra.ie​

Backlash at Jack Chambers's purge to fund fast-track infrastructure projects

Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers is facing a backlash from Cabinet colleagues over a spending 'purge' to fund an expansion of housing and water infrastructure, has learned. Sources this weekend said ministers are growing increasingly rebellious over Mr Chambers's inter-departmental review of Government spending. One minister told 'It's a purge – there is no other way to describe it. This is all about funding a big-bang style announcement on housing and water in the autumn.' Jack Chambers. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos Mr Chambers is heading the new Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, made up of experts from key State agencies, including Uisce Éireann, the ESB, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. His remit will be to break down infrastructure barriers that block the delivery of housing and public projects, and to secure the significant extra funding required. The Central Bank has said an additional €7bn is needed if the Government is to deliver an average of 54,000 new homes a year. The Central Bank of Ireland. Pic: 4H4 PH/Shutterstock Meanwhile, Uisce Éireann has warned it will need €12.3bn over the next five years to upgrade our leaking water infrastructure. In an indication of the scale of the funding challenge, one minister commented that the €13bn Apple tax windfall 'is only a downpayment on what is required'. They told 'The cost is going to be incredible. It's all about gathering up as much as can be found for housing, water, ESB, power and transport; these are the only things that matter. If it ruffles a few feathers, that's unfortunate.' Pic:Referring to mounting public and political dissatisfaction over missed housing targets, the Cabinet source said: 'We are in last throw-of-the-dice country. There is an updated housing plan, a Summer Economic Statement, a budget and a revised National Development Plan. It's like the bad old days. The minister [Chambers] ' is looking for money everywhere.' However, not all of Mr Chambers's Cabinet colleagues are happy with the impact his spending 'purge' is having on their own coffers. One senior Government source said: 'There is a huge tightening coming. Cutback time is on the way, is the message.' Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos The source said there have been 'wars in [the departments of] Health, in Education, in Higher Education, in Culture' over the spending cutbacks, with particular tensions between Mr Chambers and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media over the sixmonth extension of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme. One senior Coalition source told 'There was fur and hair flying. The Gradgrinds in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform wanted to abolish it; [but] the minister, Patrick O'Donovan dug in; hence the artists got a six-month stay of execution.' They added: 'There will be a lot more yelping before we get to the final allocations of cash in July.' Patrick O'Donovan. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos But apart from housing, political concern is growing over the long-term consequences of the 37% growth in Government spending since 2021. One minister warned: 'The truth is there's been a lot of waste. The intent of Mr Chambers and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe is to ensure the money goes on transport, housing, water and power. 'We have to spend on political necessities – no more luxuries.' Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for State Niall Collins. Pic: Leah Farrell/ Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for State Niall Collins added: 'The time to make tough, durable decisions for the common good is now. 'This Government is acutely aware of the need to chart new, more effective forms of governance and will not be deflected from this challenge.' Ministers also remain divided on the ability of Housing Minister James Browne to manage the accelerating accommodation crisis. One senior Government figure noted: 'No one knows who is running anything really. Technically, James Browne is in charge of Housing, but really, it is the Taoiseach [Micheál Martin] and Jack Chambers. It's a triumvirate, with Fine Gael being on the sidelines.' Another source added: 'It is utterly chaotic. Micheál is trying to run the department, but he doesn't know what is going on. James, who knows what is going on, can't fully run the department because Micheál and Jack Chambers are actually running it, but he can't say it… It's not an example of good governance.' However, some ministers were more supportive of Mr Browne. One Cabinet member said: 'He is evolving in the job. He inherited a desert. His problem is he can't bluff, but possibly after [former housing minister] Darragh O'Brien, that's a bonus.' Another source added: 'He is delivering at an increasing pace. RPZ [the move to make every county in the country a Rent Pressure Zone] was never going to have a happy ending. He managed it as best anyone could.' The source said the choice of former HSE boss Paul Reid as chair of the new planning authority to replace An Bord Pleanála was 'clever? Small things first.'