Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

For example, I mentioned that in Dublin city tenants must pay €25.80. In Dún Laoghaire the figure is €25 and in other counties around the country it is even more. It is important to align the two more closely.

When I mentioned the rent reductions I indicated that different percentages would be applied. Of course the rents for different types of accommodation have not all reduced to the same value. As was mentioned last night, rents for bed-sit accommodation for the single person have not come down as far, for example, as those for a family house. In looking at the different new rent levels, we will average them out over different percentages. Naturally, we do not want to place anyone in jeopardy. However, this is regular and guaranteed money for the landlord. A landlord will be very glad to have a guaranteed rent these times. Other rental accommodation is also available.

I appreciate there will be further debate on the Bill on Committee Stage.

See this speech in context