Submission to the Housing Commission on a Referendum on Housing in Ireland

Community Law & Mediation recognises the significant impact a referendum on housing could have in the context of the State revising its overall housing policy, in providing constitutional protection to a fundamental human right.

We recommend that the Housing Commission advise that the Irish constitution be amended to provide for a right to housing as a standalone article. We have set out proposed wording below for consideration.

We submit that it is crucial that the wording recommended by the Housing Commission to the Irish government provides for a standalone right to adequate housing, which includes a right to shelter, to be inserted into the constitution.

Our submission has been endorsed by Ballymun Community Law Centre, the Clare Public Participation Network, Clondalkin Traveller Development Group, Community Law & Mediation, Environmental Justice Network Ireland, Friends of the Earth Ireland, the Galway Traveller Movement,  Immigrant Council of Ireland, the Irish Refugee Council, the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice, NASC, Novas, Pavee Point, Robert Emmet CDP, the Society of St Vincent de Paul and Treoir.

Proposed wording: Housing

 Article 43A

1 The State recognises, and shall vindicate through legislative and other measures within its available resources, the right of all persons to adequate housing.

2 The State recognises, and shall guarantee in its laws as far as practicable, the right of every person to appropriate shelter, conducive to that person’s health and well-being needs.

Read the submission in full: