Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Minister that he will receive a very clear answer because I have done it. I have rung each and every auctioneer in west Cork and I know the answer I am getting on the ground. I can only declare the facts I am getting.

A 4% cap is way too high for many. It could mean an increase of €400 for struggling tenants. The legislation is rushed and should be withdrawn. We need more time to discuss it. There is no discussion of a resettlement programme whereas there was such a programme in 2012 which housed 700 families. However, there is no room in this Government for funding because a programme might boost the population in rural communities, tackle the housing issue and solve the crisis. I invite the Minister to come to west Cork where I will take him around to all the disused houses which are falling out onto our streets. Why are these property owners not challenged? This would not be allowed in other European countries. In many rural towns and villages, disused properties are the scourge of the community. If strict new guidelines were applied, it would create many new homes for families. Meanwhile, farm families and many others seeking planning permission to move into rural communities have every guideline put in their way to prevent them from getting planning permission. They are forced onto the social housing lists and, in the long run, they are an addition to the national crisis.

The legislation is being rushed through when, on the contrary, it should be withdrawn. We need further discussion and further time to tease through many of these issues.

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