A cross-party motion in the Dáil calling on the government to take action on the housing crisis passed today, after weeks of protests.
The motion, put forward by Solidarity and People Before Profit, passed with 83 votes in favour and 43 votes against.
In a statement released online, the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) said: “USI welcomes the passion of the Motion on housing in Dáil Éireann, despite Governments opposition. This however is not a time for complacency, USI are committed to continue their work on the accommodation crisis in Ireland.”
Speaking about the victory of the motion on Twitter, Bríd Smith, a People Before Profit TD said: “Don’t hold your breath and certainly Don’t hang up your boots – we will have to take to the streets again and again before this ends.”
Yesterday, Fianna Fáil announced its support for the cross-party motion.
Around 3,000 students marched yesterday to fight for better housing. They joined the national lunchtime Raise the Roof rally at 12.30pm, where crowds of protestors heard speeches from students’ union and trade union leaders.
The movement for housing has been growing over the last few months, with Take Back the City drawing attention for its direct action, staging occupations, protests and rallies.
