Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill as this debate gives us a great opportunity to deal with the issues of homelessness, tenants' rights, rents and dispute resolution services. It is ironic we now live in a State with ghost estates and empty houses while many families and children are homeless. This is madness and providing just a couple of houses or apartments for families in need is an insult to the people who need help most.

Last night, at a student union meeting in UCD, I spoke in an important debate on homelessness with Fr. Peter McVerry. We won that debate against some Government Deputies. My colleague, Deputy Dessie Ellis was also a speaker at the debate.

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