Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am actually surprised at the Government's stance here. I moved a similar amendment to that of Senator Moynihan, although not the same, which stated that "draft regulations concerning the pricing of rental tenancies make clear that it must be based on affordability and not market value." I believe that Senator Fitzpatrick tabled an amendment then, and we reached a comprise that full recovery would be included over a longer term.

I thank Senator Moynihan because the inclusion of the figure of 30% of net income in her amendment is very important. I thank her for tabling that amendment, because it goes to the heart of the affordability issue.

It is something on which we can agree. We have come a long way in private session in agreeing a wording on this. We have the wording of my amendment as the basis. I even think that the figure of 30% of net income could be excessive because we know that for many people, affordability could be anywhere between 24% and a maximum of 30% of their income. My fear is that the maximum figure would be used as a baseline. I support Senator Moynihan's amendment. It goes to the heart of affordability and cost rental. It is something on which we could agree together, perhaps if the Government parties step back from it. We did a lot of work on this in private session. As she said, this amendment delivers the affordability we all want.