Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, it is the case that the advice I have received from my officials over the last number of years has pointed to the risks that are there. However, just because I reached a different view in relation to bringing in this rent credit does not mean I ignored the advice of my officials. I considered what my officials advised me in relation to this. I believed that while there is a risk of the winners and losers phenomenon, as is acknowledged in the briefing to which the Deputy referred, and while they did go on to say there is a risk that it could worsen the official rate of rent inflation, I still believed, on balance, that this is a measure that is worth implementing. I stand by that view for the reasons I have just offered. Considering the advice of my officials and reaching a different conclusion on the matter is not the same as ignoring that advice. I am sure Deputy Doherty will have material available to him from the Department of Finance that would argue that bringing in a rent cap would have negative consequences on the rental market. As a politician, he is entitled to be aware of that advice but to draw his own conclusion. I have exercised the same judgment.