Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

With respect, we know what the procedure is. I am simply mentioning that we have been advised the Taoiseach, as he may be aware, is not responsible to the Oireachtas for these issues. This are ugely important issues which have led to the establishment of a commission of investigation, but we are told the Taoiseach is not responsible to the Oireachtas for them. However, we can leave it at that to be considered at a future time.

I want to ask about promised legislation on rents and for a debate on the North. A recent Daft.iesurvey reveals that rents continue to spiral out of control. We warned the Government about this. Many observers also warned that its indecision on the issue over a period of months had led to some unscrupulous landlords pushing rents up by as much as €82 a month.

In my constituency of Louth there has been a 12% increase. As we approach Christmas there are 1,500 children in the city of Dublin in homeless accommodation. When will the Government's proposed legislation be introduced to the Dáil and when does the Taoiseach expect it to become law?

On the issue of the North, I raise again the general point on the need for a regular routine debate on the North because it is so important to all of us across this island, not least to people in this State. Rather than have a debate on the back of a crisis or on allegations of one sort or another with controversy we need to be carefully watching, observing, encouraging and being helpful as is our constitutional requirement and as the Government is obliged under various agreements.

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