Taoiseach and Social Democrat TD Clash in Dáil Over Housing Policy and New Activation Office
Micheál Martin defends the Strategic Housing Activation Office amid controversy over its leadership and proposed salary.A heated exchange unfolded in the Dáil on April 29, 2025, as Taoiseach Micheál Martin accused Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne of offering “facile, superficial” solutions to Ireland’s housing crisis, while defending the establishment of the new Strategic Housing Activation Office. The debate, sparked during Taoiseach’s Questions, centered on the appointment of NAMA boss Brendan McDonagh to lead the office and the reported €430,000 salary for the role, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders.
Tensions Flare in the Dáil
The confrontation began when Hearne criticized the appointment of McDonagh, questioning his suitability given NAMA’s history of asset sales that Hearne claims led to widespread evictions and exacerbated homelessness. “How is it appropriate that an individual who played a key role in adding to the housing crisis is now to be given responsibility for fixing it?” Hearne asked, also slamming the proposed salary as “outrageous” at a time when the Government has delayed introducing a living wage.Martin responded sharply, accusing Hearne of oversimplifying the housing crisis and lacking expertise despite positioning himself as an authority. “You keep coming forward with facile, superficial analyses of the housing crisis,” Martin said, adding, “You set yourself up as a housing expert—you’re nothing of the sort.” When Hearne interrupted, Martin retorted, “Look, you just keep on shouting, deputy,” and dismissed attempts to personalize the debate, clarifying that no appointment had been finalized.
The Strategic Housing Activation Office: Purpose and Controversy
The Strategic Housing Activation Office, a key promise from the Programme for Government, aims to accelerate housing delivery by addressing obstacles to construction. Minister for Housing James Browne, speaking earlier, described the office as a “dedicated, expert team focused on activating sites and getting shovels moving where they are stalled.” The office will have the authority to troubleshoot delays, coordinate with local authorities, utility providers, and industry stakeholders, and ensure smoother delivery of infrastructure critical to housing projects.A memo to establish the office was presented at a Cabinet meeting on April 29, though Browne did not confirm the expected appointment of McDonagh as CEO during the session. The office’s creation could be further discussed at the Cabinet Committee on Housing, scheduled to meet on Thursday.
However, the proposed appointment of McDonagh and the reported €430,000 salary have ignited controversy. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald called the salary “outrageous” and a “kick in the teeth” for those struggling to buy homes, arguing that the role duplicates the responsibilities of the Minister for Housing. “Clearly, your Government has no confidence in Minister James Browne to do his job,” she told the Dáil, labeling the arrangement an “expensive job share.” Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn echoed concerns, warning that the office might overemphasize foreign investment and vulture funds, sidestepping more pressing barriers to housing delivery.
Taoiseach Addresses Salary Concerns
Martin acknowledged public concern over the €430,000 figure, emphasizing that no decision had been made on the appointment or salary. He clarified that the role would be a secondment from within the public service, with no salary increase beyond the appointee’s current pay. “I understand the public concern about a possible salary of €430,000,” Martin said, but stressed the office’s strategic importance in removing roadblocks to housing delivery.The Taoiseach also highlighted recent progress, noting that 6,000 homes were built in the first three months of 2025—the second-highest first-quarter delivery on record. He called on Sinn Féin to end its “serial opposition” to housing projects, pointing out that McDonald had objected to over 1,000 homes in her own constituency.
A Divisive Appointment and a Housing Crisis in Focus
Hearne, in a letter to Minister Browne, reiterated his objections to McDonagh’s potential appointment, citing NAMA’s role in the “fire sale of assets” that he claims led to the eviction of thousands into homelessness. O’Flynn similarly criticized the appointment as a “deflection” from more urgent debates on housing barriers, expressing fears of an overreliance on foreign investment.The Strategic Housing Activation Office is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing Ireland’s housing crisis, but its launch has been overshadowed by concerns over leadership and costs. As the Government moves forward, it will need to balance the need for decisive action with public demands for fairness and transparency in tackling one of the nation’s most pressing challenges.
