Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to speak on this Bill, particularly amendment No. 109. I strongly support the amendment and I commend Deputy Lynch for tabling it. I support it because it sorts out the legislative aspect of the whole issue and debate. It is a strong, fair and decisive amendment and offers a solution to the particular problem.

In recent days there has been much talk about the property bubble and the IMF report. This is a real amendment and deals with a real problem faced by the families and tenants concerned. We do not have enough discussion in the House on the rights of tenants. This amendment puts the rights of tenants into the legislation. Our history is steeped, going back to the time of Michael Davitt, in protecting and defending the rights of tenants and in 2009 we need a Michael Davitt approach. This amendment is part of that approach and tradition. It is very important.

I also agree strongly with Deputy Ó Snodaigh when he referred to flats and the need for a mix in different complexes. That is a sensible option. In areas where it has happened, it has been a very progressive development and has also built up stronger communities. It is a very important part of the amendment.

I urge the Minister of State to listen to the different views on this side the House and support amendment No. 109. There are many positive aspects in the Bill, as I said earlier, in previous debates and outside the House. The issue of housing is still significant, despite the 12 years of the Celtic tiger, and there is still a crisis in the country. We have to face this reality politically and examine the people and speculators out there who own many houses while there are families that cannot own, get or buy out their own dwellings. This is an absolute disgrace, after 12 years of massive wealth in the country.

In my constituency many apartments and houses are lying empty - I understand some 1,000 in Dublin North-Central - and yet many families are looking for houses. This is also part of the issue. I welcome the positive aspects of the Bill, but I urge the Minister to look again at amendment No. 109 and support it.

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