Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is no problem. I echo what many members have stated - it is disappointing that we do not have the Bill in front of us, but that is the situation we are in. The situation all members wish to avoid is that of protections for vulnerable renters expiring unnecessarily during a pandemic. This is emergency legislation in an emergency situation and I want the Bill to be passed in time to ensure that protections for renters do not lapse on the current expiry date. I think all of our focus has to be on protecting renters. I, like every other member of the committee, will have the opportunity to speak on the Bill as it moves through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

I know there was mention of a proposed amendment but I am not sure whether that would be in order. Perhaps the Chairman can advise whether it is legally possible to amend a Bill that has not yet been published. Doing so would not necessarily be something with which I would be comfortable. Although I understand there is a significant level of discomfort among members, what I am comfortable with doing is extending the protections for renters in as seamless a way as possible.