Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is the first time I have ever done that. I apologise again.

We have discussed the establishment of a national rent deposit scheme on Second Stage of the Bill and in this committee. I understand that it can be complex from an administrative perspective in respect of where the money goes and how it is held. It is a substantial piece of work. There is, however, enabling legislation, as Deputy Jan O'Sullivan stated. My amendment is not tying the hands of the Minister by stating that it must be done now. I would, of course, rather that he did that and we had a national rent deposit scheme in place now. It is the one thing that is going to safeguard deposits into the future. We should, therefore, be working collectively towards getting that established.

My amendment states that the Minister will report back on the establishment of a national rent deposit scheme within 12 months of the commencement of the legislation. I think that is absolutely reasonable. I would like to have gone further. I would like to see the scheme established now. I understand, however, that there are reasons why that cannot be done. We should not, however, just leave this on the never-never and the long finger. It is something we want to do in future. My amendment would mean that, when the Bill is passed, there would need to be a report back in 12 months on a plan to establish a national rent deposit scheme. That will help and it will underpin a resolution of all of the issues about which my colleagues have spoken during this meeting. I refer in particular to Deputy Catherine Martin's point on the level of rent. One month's rent should be more than sufficient as a deposit.