John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In passing any Bill in this House, it is important that it be of benefit to those we serve and not have what we call "unintended consequences". For that reason, I have grave concerns over the proposal on paying six months' compensation on the sale of a property. Many landlords I know are unintentional landlords who have one property that was bought when values were unrealistically high. Nonetheless, the properties were bought and they are and will be in negative equity. Many of the landlords are selling because they have to. They are doing so at a loss. To impose on them a six months' rent compensation measure would be wholly unrealistic and unfair. It would do nothing other than create a big problem for many while trying to solve a problem for others. I certainly could not support the passing of any Bill that would have such an unintended consequence.

As Deputy Cowen pointed out, we agree, in principle, with the elements of the Bill but there is an onus on us to tease through the measures that are either unconstitutional or unworkable, remove them and come up with a Bill that results in consensus in this House.

On the receivership amendment, I agree wholeheartedly that receivers must have the same responsibilities as landlords. As Deputy Cowen pointed out, we have to work towards that and achieve agreement on it. We must legislate for this so receivers will behave as they should and have the same responsibilities as landlords.

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