Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

The issue concerning the NAMA houses, an important potential resource, is under negotiation between my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, and NAMA. The Department of Social Protection commands approximately 40% of the private rental market. There has been a fall at historic levels in the value of housing and property assets and the Deputy is seriously suggesting those who rent privately – they account for 60% of the private rental market - should have their rent driven up by the Department oin order to benefit private landlords.

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