David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the thrust of the amendments as they appear to support landlords who have difficulty in having rent paid. Some rebalancing is required in this regard. I have encountered a number of cases where landlords have experienced serious problems in obtaining rent payments. I urge the Minister of State to take note of the issue and rebalance the current provisions in favour of landlords who have mortgages and bills to pay and other liabilities to meet. It is most unfair that some tenants refuse to pay rent for prolonged periods and landlords must go through hoops to obtain redress.

I commend the Opposition parties on their Dáil reform proposals. Having heard a great deal from the Fianna Fáil Party this morning about Dáil reform, we now learn that its idea of Dáil reform is to abandon the House when it discusses important legislation. It is remarkable and an insult to the House that not one Opposition Deputy is present for this debate.

See this speech in context