Fine Gael Senator laughs when challenged during homelessness debate.

» Oisín Mac Cann

“The reaction amongst the people of limerick has been one of horror. They just don't believe that this government understands the worst housing crisis in the history of the State."

Tasteless scenes emerged in the Seanad last week as Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer began laughing when the case of a 75-year-old woman facing homelessness was raised by Sinn Féin Senator Paul Gavan during order of business.

Senator Gavan raised the case with the House after the elderly woman came into his constituency clinic revealing her landlord had suddenly increased her rent by 30%, meaning she would face becoming homeless should she not be able to pay.

Speaking during the debate, the Limerick Senator highlighted the ample opportunity given to the government to address the housing crisis, but their repeated failure to do so.

Senator Gavan was interrupted by Leader of the Seanad Fine Gael’s Jerry Buttimer, who appeared to be laughing during the speech. When challenged on whether he felt the case at hand was a laughing matter, the former Minister said that “I think you’re funny. You give a one-dimensional speech the whole time.”

The insensitive response from Senator Buttimer comes at a time when the housing crisis continues to spiral out of control, with an estimated 3,000 children homeless and some people paying in excess of 50% of their income on rent.

Speaking to An Phoblacht, Senator Gavan said how the reaction amongst the people of Limerick “has been one of horror.”

“Last week in the Seanad I raised the very important issue of the ever-worsening housing crisis in Limerick. 

“The people of Limerick just don't believe that this government understands or is prioritising the worst housing crisis in the history of the State. 

“I cited a specific example of a 75-year-old woman who is being put out of her house after 30 years. The response by the Seanad leader was very disappointing.

“Every week our party clinic is filled with people in despair because they are being made homeless by landlords prioritising profit over people.”