Mr. Patrick Davitt:

That might be true, but as I say, I do not represent landlords. Many properties in the country are under-rented, whereby landlords are not charging the proper rent for their houses. There is a lot of discussion about the price of rent in the cities, something of which everyone is aware, but many landlords are happy with their tenants who pay their rent every month, whether they are there for one, five or ten years. In many cases, landlords are, believe it or not, embarrassed to look for more money.

I am also aware that many are over-rented, but the recent legislation outlawing rent increases for two years spooked many landlords. While it is a good scheme which we support, it led to increases in rent because there was a two-year window. Hence, the property price register showed an increase in rents. We understand that prices are now at 2007 levels, and in some cases above that level.