Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach stated that the aim of the committee is to protect the most vulnerable. I would like to return to the issue of housing and homelessness, which was raised in the previous batch of questions, because I think we can agree that those without a roof over their heads - individuals and families in homelessness - are among the most vulnerable. I understand the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government is bringing forward a new set of proposals. He believes they will tackle issues for tenants in the private rented sector and I hope he is right. The proposals include a rent register and an increase in the minimum notice period. We will support anything that is credible, progressive and has a prospect of working. We have been saying for a long time that tougher sanctions are needed for landlords using illegal notices to quit and for breaches of the rent pressure zone, RPZ, legislation. We welcome the fact that the proposed legislation will make it a criminal offence for landlords to increase rents in RPZs above the 4% cap, but this must also apply to letting agents, online rental platforms and to student accommodation. We have to make sure that new sanctions are enforced.

I would like to raise one glaring omission from the legislation, which is the Focus Ireland amendment. This would prevent buy-to-let landlords who benefited from tax breaks from seeking vacant possession if they seek to sell their property. We need to restrict the criteria for issuing notices to quit. Landlords can use them when a family member needs the property. This clause should be removed from the Residential Tenancies Acts. The proposed Bill is set to be first substantive piece brought forward by the Minister since assuming office almost a year ago. When will it be published? Will the Taoiseach confirm that it will include some of the measures I have described? Most important, contrary to his position in 2016 when Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil voted down the sensible and proportionate Focus Ireland amendment, will he ensure that the amendment is inserted in the legislation because it is necessary and it would be a tiny step in the right direction?

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