Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

We will be meeting the Minister later about the issues we raised last week, when we lifted the lid on the prevalence of sex for rent in the housing crisis. I wish to put on the Dáil record that we have had many more disclosures. In particular, three women in the housing assistance payment, HAP, sector have contacted me about their situations.

It is clear that when we have predominantly female, young and vulnerable people seeking scarce accommodation, such as in the HAP sector, the prevalence of exploitation of all kinds, including sexual, will increase. "Kirsty" spoke out in The Irish Timestoday. It is particularly sinister that an estate agent, with such power to evict people or give them accommodation, is engaging in sexual harassment. We have uncovered information from many women concerning their experiences, including receiving comments about their bodies, discouragement of boyfriends, offers of dinner, and getting drunken texts late at night. The housing crisis is creating a perfect storm for predatory landlords. That is particularly the case in the HAP sector. It is the basis for social housing and it is dangerous to give private landlords such control over vulnerable women and children.

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