Sinn Féin has hit out at the Environment Minister for sending a letter to local authorities in Ireland encouraging them not to introduce higher standards for housing.

Spokesperson Mr Dessie Ellis said the letter showed a "worrying disregard" for the standards of housing being provided for people in need.

Deputy Ellis said: "We are lucky in Dublin City that we have won hard fought standards for housing which ensure quality for homeowners and tenants. But we also are very aware that these standards are not always met by developers and that this can have devastating consequences in the longer term. Problem developments like Priory Hall, Glenn Riada and the Laurels are fresh in our mind and we must make all efforts possible to see that the housing built in the coming months and years is of a high standard which will be safe and which will last the test of time.

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"These are not just any structures. We are talking about where we live, where we raise our children, care for our loved ones and were we go to feel safe and secure. A house built to a poor standard can never be the home we all have a right to."

Mr Ellis is also calling for more homes to be built and suggested that the Government use 1 billion euro identified by Sinn Fein in the Strategic Investment Fund to build roughly 6000 social housing units.

(CD/MH)