Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister's analysis of the situation is spot on and I am very impressed with it. It is perfect but the problem is in trying to provide incentives to landlords outside cities, as the Minister said. With regard to the cities, it does not make sense that a person or the State should subsidise a rent of €2,500 per month. I do not care where people put their heads down at night but I do not believe renting a house for four weeks is worth that money. At the same time, I am speaking for people who own properties and are trying to make them pay. I want the business to be profitable enough for these people to continue in it but I also want people who are paying rents to have security and to be able to afford the rent. I do not like the idea of people renting forever, although I do not mind people renting for a certain period in their lives if they can then get a local authority house or are able, through employment, to get a mortgage and buy their own property.

See this speech in context