By Elaine Loughlin, Political Reporter

Alan Kelly has claimed the Irish Constitution “repeatedly blocked” him from implementing solutions to the housing and homeless crisis.

Speaking at a forum for housing and homelessness this morning the acting Environment Minister said the Constitution has created “blockages” and now needs to be reviewed in a bid to tackle the wider housing problem.

“In many instances when trying to solve this problem I was not hampered by political or financial obstacles," Mr Kelly said.

“I didn't really have issues at a political level when dealing with housing and homelessness, I didn't really have issues when it came to finance, I had some issues with the process and I had issues in relation to bureaucracy, but by and large, it wasn't political or financial.

“I believe in some cases we have an issue in relation to the Constitution, which creates some blockages.”

He said difficulties arose in relation the vacant site levy and in providing protection to tenants facing eviction because the landlord was selling a property along “many many other issues” because of the rights provided under the Constitution.

“I was repeatedly blocked from making provisions in what I believe was the common good.”

He cited the strength of Article 43 of the Constitution which provides property rights to citizens.

“I believe in property rights, but I also believe in the common good," Mr Kelly said.

Arriving at the meeting held in the Custom House, homeless charities said whatever new government is formed must prioritise housing and the homelessness crisis.

Addressing those from housing organisations, the central bank, the construction sector and officials from a number of government departments Mr Kelly said the housing crisis does not just come down to Government resources.

He said: “There is a history to how we got to this point and while blame may be justified, blame alone will not house a single person, constructive ideas might.

“There is no silver bullet, there is no magic wand that will solve this problem instantly, I truly wish there were.

“The solutions to this problem are not all found within this building within this Department.

“I would say that over 50%, and therefore the majority, probably aren't,” Mr Kelly said.