Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On the non-payment of rent, the purpose of some of the amendments, including on Committee Stage, is to ensure that where a person has an obligation to pay rent, even in the case of disputes, he or she continues to do so. This was the principal issue brought to our attention by landlords. The issue of deposit retention by landlords is the other side of the coin as it affects tenants. We also attend to address this issue in the Seanad. The amendments under discussion are related to sub-tenancies.

I concur with Deputy Stanton's other point. The Opposition side of the Chamber is empty, as was the case when the two previous Bills were being discussed. The detail of legislation is very important as it affects members of the public. I share the Deputy's view that it is very bad form that no Member of the Opposition is present in the House.

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