"Those are questions that will not go away as a result of this action."
Mary Lou McDonald has slammed the Government's decision to defend Robert Troy prior to his
resignation on Wednesday night (24 August).
Troy resigned as a Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment following controversy over omissions made when declaring property he owned to a register of politicians' interests.
“This week, the nature of the current coalition government, and in particular their failed approach to housing, was laid bare for all to see," McDonald said following the announcement.
"As each day passed, further revelations about Minister Troy’s behaviour as a landlord came into the public domain. Properties that had failed to be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board, a property without fire certification, RAS arrangements not declared in the Dáil register, other interests not properly declared and the list went on.
"Throughout this period, both the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste offered their full support describing Robert Troy as a ‘first class Minister’.
"Indeed, earlier today (Wednesday) the Tánaiste was still continuing to fight to maintain Mr Troy’s position in government.
"Tonight’s inevitable announcement from Robert Troy casts very serious questions on their judgement and those are questions that will not go away as a result of this action.
"The provision of social and affordable housing has been subcontracted to the private sector under successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments. The result for ordinary people is exorbitant rents, rocketing homelessness and the fact that the ability to purchase a home has been put well beyond reach of the majority.
"That policy will not change with the resignation of Minister Troy. That policy will only change with a new government.”
Green Party leader and fellow coalition member Eamon Ryan has called for two investigations into the controversy.
"I believe it would be possible for the likes of the Oireachtas Committee on Procedures, Privileges and Oversight to have a full investigation," Ryan said.
"Under the ethics guidelines, office holders are accountable to the Oireachtas."
Ryan said he believes it would be appropriate if such an investigation was conducted before the return of the Dáil next month.
"I think any questions the opposition or indeed members of Government might have could be asked there and could be dealt with in the appropriate manner," he added.
"So, I think that could be done quickly and needs to be done quickly."
