What’s a house for?

There needs to be a public debate about how the crisis should be resolved. It requires a clear decision about what role we want to give housing in the Irish economy. Should policy allow an unregulated private property market where housing is primarily a private commodity and an investment for speculation and accumulation of private wealth? Or should the State intervene and ensure, through regulation and direct funding, that housing is provided as a social service, a need and a right such as health and education?

This question needs to be front and centre of any discussion on housing policy.

via Need to build consensus on State's role in housing policy | Irish Examiner.