Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance) | Oireachtas source

The REIT issue is an important discussion because it is the basis for and the beginning of a lot of homelessness. I agree with some of the suggestions made by Deputy Ó Broin. Threshold runs a massive helpline and is at the cutting edge of the matter. I agree also with the inclusion of the PRTB. In addition - I do not know if it will be in this forum, perhaps the Chair could clarify - the committee needs to look at the whole area of rent controls. There was a proposal for a separate session on laws that may need to be brought in. I believe the committee needs to hear from a speaker on rent controls, how they operate in other countries and how rent controls could be implemented in Ireland. Rent control is a key issue which must be decided upon by this committee.