Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I point out to Deputy Micheál Martin that this came into the Seanad approximately six weeks ago. It was made perfectly clear - and every spokesperson and all the parties understood - that it would be in the final week session that the matter would come before the Dáil, so it is not a case of it being very late for consultation. Consultations are ongoing with Fianna Fáil and with anybody else who wants to have them. Yesterday, the Minister spent the full day at the select committee dealing with this.

The RTB has been given extra resources. As pointed out, the start is with Cork and Dublin but, clearly, there are pressures in other locations. The RTB has been given extra resources to deal with this and it can respond and will have answers to the question by February. This is a really important matter for thousands of people and I hope this legislation will not be delayed. I have pointed out to the Deputy the very strong reasons why the Government set the cap at 4% and, obviously, those reasons stand up. The Minister, Deputy Coveney, is quite willing to continue to discuss with the Fianna Fáil spokesperson the issues surrounding landlords, taxation in respect of the geographical areas and how that can be implemented expeditiously, and the very strong reasons for striking a balance which is structured and directed to help tenants and continue the supply of housing.

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