Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are a number of key actions, first, to introduce rent pressure zones to provide rent predictability in areas where there is unsustainable rent inflation. That includes this city and Cork. Evidence of that is before our eyes and we either do nothing or something. The second action is to provide more effective termination procedures for non-payment of rent and the third will place restrictions on the use of sale as a reason for ending a tenancy, something the Minister has referred to as the Tyrellstown amendment.

The fourth action is, through engagement, to encourage banks and landlord borrowers to agree sustainable solutions to buy-to-let arrears which result in properties being retained in the rental sector. The fifth action is to review how landlord obligations are addressed during receiverships of encumbered buy-to-lets in order to secure protections for tenants. The sixth action is to improve enforcement of the Residential Tenancies Board's determination orders. The seventh action is to encourage longer-term lettings by allowing unfurnished lettings, as in other jurisdictions, subject to the introduction of an appropriate standard and a minimum lease term of ten years. This plan, which is in the interests of hard-pressed tenants who are experiencing severe rent inflation as a result of the lack of supply of housing, is one element of a comprehensive housing strategy that focuses on dealing with housing right across the spectrum. It will be the subject of extensive debate and discussion in the committee and the Dáil over the course of this week. It is in the interests of tenants and landlords.

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