Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Martin for tabling these amendments, which we will be happy to support. The Deputy is right, in that landlords are using this mechanism to circumvent the anti-discriminatory legislation. Previously, landlords would have refused rent supplement, HAP, etc. It is a clear ruse to avoid social welfare-dependent tenants for prejudicial or other reasons. There is nothing that people can do about it. Not only does this create significant financial hardship, but it is deliberately designed to get around the legal prohibition on refusing social welfare and social housing support-dependent tenants. For that reason alongside the issue of financial hardship, the Minister should consider accepting these amendments. While I do not expect him to support them, he should. The officials should consider this matter and seek to address it on Report Stage or in a subsequent Bill.

Even for people who are not being subjected to discriminatory practices by some landlords, to ask a working family on a modest or above-median income for two to three months' rent and deposit is huge. Given that young couples are now purchasing much later in life because of the unaffordable cost of accommodation, more and more families are being affected.

I appeal to the Minister to consider this amendment. If cannot support it, I ask him to come back with something that does the same thing. He would have our active support if he did.