The Founder of Focus Ireland has hit out at the 'indecent' lack of a working housing policy.

Sister Stanislaus Kennedy says there are 'glaring gaps' in policy, and that attempts to regulate the rental sector have been a 'complete failure'.

She says action on a promise by Environment Minister Alan Kelly to bring in rent certainty for both tenants and landlords is long overdue.

Sr Stan is urging the government to hold a referendum on the right to a home.

She also told the MacGill Summer School there are now 90,000 families on the social housing waiting list.

Sr Stan says it is a catastrophic failure.