Giving hope to young people over housing is the ‘challenge of our time’, says Martin

By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association

Giving hope to young people in Ireland that they can afford to buy or rent a home is the “defining challenge of our time”, Micheál Martin has said.

The Fianna Fáil leader told his party’s Ard Fheis in Dublin that delivering the largest sustained programme of public investment was an absolute priority”.

The Taoiseach also said there had to be a “new national effort to secure our ability to trade with the world”.

Martin delivered the keynote address at the conference, which marked the centenary of his party's founding.

Earlier, protesters carrying Palestinian flags had gathered at a gate at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. There was a significant Garda presence during the protest.

Martin told the Ard Fheis he was determined to “deliver critical investments, to open up new markets and to support job creators, through tax reform that rewards work and incentivises enterprise”.

He said if Ireland wanted to be successful, it “must trade with the world”.

He said: “Trade supports hundreds of thousands of jobs – providing the revenue which funds pensions and public services.

“So, disruption of trade through tariffs and closed borders is a direct threat to us.

“You cannot oppose trade and claim to support Irish jobs and businesses.

We have to build up our presence and our political engagement with more countries

“We need a new national effort to secure our ability to trade with the world.”

Opening up new trading markets would “reduce reliance on traditional ones”, the Taoiseach said.

He said, “We have to build up our presence and our political engagement with more countries.

“And we have to support fair trade deals where they offer a clear opportunity for Ireland.”

He said economic and social progress “must go hand in hand”.

He said: “To give young people hope that they can find and afford a home to buy or rent is a defining challenge of our time.

“There is only one serious way of doing this – we need to build more homes, of every type and in every part of the country. We need action and investment, which is steady and relentless.

“Which permanently expands capacity to build homes – and gives priority to those seeking their first home.”

The Taoiseach said 36,000 new homes were built last year, but it was “not enough”.

He said: “We must make it easier to build the homes we need – and we must be honest that this involves tough choices.

“We will implement our reforms to planning so that decisions are fair but also faster.

“We will deliver the largest programme ever of investment in critical services, so that the water, sewerage, power and roads we need for new homes are in place.

“And we are determined to push forward a new era in social housing as well as support for people looking for a first home at an affordable price.”

The Taoiseach said the war in the Middle East had made families feel the impact of rising energy and fuel prices.

He said: “We have to help those under most pressure through actions to reduce price levels and directly support those worst affected.

“But this will keep happening, so we have to do more.

“We have to guarantee secure and affordable energy supplies in the future.

“We must go much further in reducing our dependence on imported gas and oil.

“The move to clean and sustainable energy is vital for our environment – but it is also essential if we want to deal with high and rapidly changing prices.”

Turning to the Northern Ireland peace agreement, Martin said “too little” had been done to secure its full benefits.

He said: “That’s why our Shared Island Initiative is absolutely essential.

“It is an urgent and ambitious programme to build connections, deepen understanding and show the progress and prosperity which we all could share.”

Fianna Fail passionately believes that a stronger, more dynamic, more effective European Union is in Ireland’s interests

The Taoiseach said Ireland “cannot stand on the sidelines” at a time of international turmoil.

He said: “In the face of those who want to hollow out the European Union, Ireland must be resolute.

“We can see in Britain how much damage they can do if left unchallenged.

“Fianna Fáil passionately believes that a stronger, more dynamic, more effective European Union is in Ireland’s interests.

“In little more than six weeks we will take up the role of the European presidency.

“We will lead discussions on profoundly important issues – like deepening trade, supporting entrepreneurs, framing the EU budget, lowering the costs of doing business and protecting people against online threats.

“Support for democracy has defined our party since its foundation, and it will be central to our presidency as well.”