A referendum on the right to housing could be held as early as next year.
A referendum subcommittee has been set up as part of the newly formed Housing Commission.
A working group, made up of housing and legal experts, is due to consider a possible wording for incorporating a constitutional right to housing.
Minister Darragh O'Brien says the Housing Commission will submit their proposals by the end of this year:
"They will do their work independently of me and they've set a timeline of reporting back to Government by the end of the year.
"We've set a commitment in the Programme for Government that we would hold a referendum on housing during the term of the Government.
"If it were to be agreed, and I can't pre-judge the work that will be done by the Commission.
"I don't see any reason why a referendum wouldn't happen next year - but we've work to do."
