Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he has full confidence in Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien amid record homelessness figures for the second month in a row.
The Taoiseach said that the government is ushering in a "new era" of mass social housing construction.
Speaking at the launch of the Fianna Fáil Ard fheis yesterday, he also said that the government is moving to secure more emergency accommodation for those experiencing homelessness.
In August, 10,805 people were living in emergency accommodation, including 3,220 children.
"I have seen slogans, I have seen soundbites, but I haven't seen substance"
The Taoiseach has defended the record of Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien, saying that housing suggestions from opposition parties 'lack substance'.
"I have seen slogans, I have seen soundbites, but I haven't seen substance", he said.
"I haven't seen the breadth of initiatives that Darragh O'Brien has taken, to be fair to him, in respect of affordable housing, in respect of social housing."
More than 2,500 party members from across the country are expected to meet at the RDS for the party's 80th Ard Fheis this weekend.
"New era"
When asked whether he has confidence in the Housing Minister, the Taoiseach said: "Of course I have. He's working flat out."
"I would challenge anybody, any other political party for that matter: What's the alternative they're producing?"
"I've seen nothing of any substance from any political party outside of government in this country in relation to housing."
The Taoiseach said a record number of social housing will be built this year.
"We're beginning a new era of social housing at scale."
Evictions
The government will not place a ban on evictions this winter, with the Taoiseach citing legal difficulties with such a move.
"During COVID, we had a context that made it constitutionally allowable to do what we did in relation to banning evictions, particularly with the five kilometer rule and the restrictions it put on people's movements", he explained.
"When you're advised on the constitutionality or not of a measure, you have to take it on board."
"That's not as clear-cut in a non-COVID situation."
