Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left) | Oireachtas source

I know the Minister for State explained why he came up with the notice period but it does not address the fundamental problem. It does not make any sense whatsoever that a tenant would have to give a longer notice period the longer he or she is in the tenancy.

I note the Minister of State observed the landlord can shorten that period in order that the tenant is not obliged to give such notice but that is not really good enough. Members are aware that quiet or vulnerable tenants will not get into an argument with a landlord on that point and even if they do, the landlord has no obligation to concede to their demands in that regard. The Minister of State did not really address any of the practical points I made in advocating the amendment about the concept of renting and the flexibility it gives to people. When one combines this with the fact that landlords will not permit subletting in many instances, the Minister of State is placing an undue burden on the tenant here without, in a point well made by Deputy Wallace, any benefit to the landlord because no landlord will advertise a property six months ahead and no one will take it up. Consequently, there is no benefit to this provision. The amendment I tabled is really practical and does not disenfranchise landlords at all but gives tenants a right of which they should be able to avail. I urge the Minister of State to consider the amendment for all the reasons I gave earlier.

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