Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

If it turns out the Minister is correct that there is a constitutional obstacle, we can then withdraw the legislation. At least, it should be given a run instead of being shot down at the first opportunity. The Labour Party is trying to find a solution to what is a real problem for people whose businesses are in trouble and losing jobs.

It is a constructive proposal. The Minister does not have to shoot it down just because he does not agree with it. The world will not end if the Bill passes Second Stage. Allowing it to proceed to Committee Stage would allow an opportunity for the law on upward rents to be teased out. Doing so might also offer some practical assistance to those businesses trying to negotiate some relief on their rents. That is assistance they will be deprived of if the Government votes down this Bill tonight. If it does, the message that will go out to those negotiating rents will be that the Government has taken the side of the landlords on what are now active rent negotiations.

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