Ms Bairbre Nic Aongusa:

Another important point to bear in mind is that the index in question is the RTB index. The Deputies who were here earlier made reference to the daft.ieindex, which is very different. There is a lot of confusion when it comes to media commentary about rising rents, between the RTB index and the daft.ieindex. The daft.ieindex is the asking rents for properties that are on that website. It is not an indication of all rents in the country. The RTB index is about the new registrations with the RTB, which is rents agreed between tenants and landlords. It is important to bear that in mind.

The other point to bear in mind is that, as we all will be aware, not all rented properties are advertised. The daft.iewebsite only captures those properties that are advertised and it is not as accurate a reflection of rising rents as the RTB index, which is why the legislation is clearly tied to the RTB index.