Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I stated at the outset, the strategy the Government is currently pursuing is showing an increase in the supply of units. We expect that to increase substantially over the coming year.

This is a multifaceted approach. Deputy Paul Murphy is correct in stating that we need to protect tenants when they are in their homes. That is why the PRTB and Threshold now have a protocol that will assist tenants where they are under threat of having to leave their home. That is working around the country.

Also, community welfare officers have discretion, through the Department of Social Protection, to assist tenants who are under pressure with regards to their rent on a case-by-case basis. Also, the PRTB is currently undertaking a national awareness campaign with regard to tenants' rights because often tenants are leaving homes unnecessarily due to pressure. It behoves all of us as public representatives to ensure that tenants are fully aware of their rights and to assure them that they are protected as far as possible under current legislation.

I repeat the Government is considering all options. We are looking at measures to introduce rent certainty but at the end of the day the housing market must be normalised so that we create stability and, more important, sustainability within the market so that tenants can remain in their homes at affordable rates.

See this speech in context