Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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My experience is that tenants, not landlords, are being exploited. I accept and acknowledge that there are excellent landlords. I am talking about those who are exploiting rents in certain parts of my constituency in an appalling way. I hold no flag for them and I never will.

I acknowledge everything that Minister - not Minister, Mister, I am promoting him there - Mr. Cussen said. One key point is that the Apollo House occupation showed me that we have to look at empty commercial properties in our major urban areas that will never be used again for commercial purposes. I know that Apollo House is separate because it is going to be demolished. Such properties could be in former port areas. We all know that those areas have been blighted for perhaps ten or 15 years. We need to fast-track the capacity to occupy empty commercial properties that will never be used again and transform them for residential living. Perhaps the Housing Agency is aware of this. The Empty Homes Agency of the United Kingdom shows examples of empty bank premises which are occupied, and of areas in docklands or areas neglected for many years now in full and dynamic occupation by tenants. The ground floor can be kept for business but a hugely dynamic interaction can be had to renew and rejuvenate many places in centres of our cities and towns that are neglected.

The final point is that one of the things it makes a recommendation on is that planning permission for change of use can be fast-tracked and there is no penalty for change of use from commercial to residential. If it is not zoned for residential use, there are ways around that and simple things that can be done. A higher density can be promoted in these areas. The thinking is excellent and the additional input which myself and people here can provide will hopefully make a better result for everybody.