Ms Michelle Byrne:

I want to address a couple of the comments made, particularly by Deputies Casey and Darragh O'Brien, on RPZs. It is brilliant to see cross-party support on the measures proposed. We started this process last year. There is a lot of fear among those whom I represent about how long the process is taking. There are particular instances in Cork and Galway where there will be drastic increases next year of 10% and 20% next year. We recognise the work of the committee and that of the different parties that are bringing forward legislation, but we want it noted that we are concerned about how long the process is taking.

We mentioned the supply issue. It was great to see some of that supply being provided in the past year. The problem is that the new builds are coming onto the market at unaffordable prices of €1,000 a month. When one talks about supply, what is being provided for students? It is completely unaffordable. We should be looking at other models such as cost rental which was mentioned, or perhaps capital grants for colleges to build student accommodation on campus. That is where we stand on that issue. It is too late for the 4% rent pressure zones, to which Deputy Ellis alluded, when places are coming onto the market at €1,000 a month. While it is too late, we will take it now because it is all we have and if we are to see increases of 20% year on year, an increase of 4% would definitely be welcome.