Dáil debates
Thursday, 26 March 2020
An Bille um Bearta Éigeandála ar mhaithe le Leas an Phobail (Covid-19), 2020: Céim an Choiste agus na Céimeanna a bheidh Fágtha - Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages
10:20 pm
Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source
Regarding Deputy Duffy's amendment, the Bill clearly states a termination notice cannot be served and consequently, we think it is not necessary to have the change the Deputy recommends. Turning to the amendment from Deputy Cian O'Callaghan concerning rent increases, no rent increases can happen during this period. Rent reviews can proceed but only a rent decrease can be given during the crisis. Rent increases can be notified, but can only come into effect afterwards. There is the usual 90 days after that as well, so it is not necessary to bring in the change the Deputy seeks.
Turning to Deputy Bríd Smith and amendment No. 22, while I agree with the sentiment, there is no need for it because it is already stated that no rent increase shall be payable in respect of any period following the emergency period. It is as simple as that, inside or outside the rent pressure zones. There is no way of ever adding back in the period of Covid-19. It is frozen in time, so the change sought by the Deputy has already been achieved.
Regarding amendment No. 38, the Department has agreed with the ESRI, in collaboration with the RTB and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, to carry out a study of the effects of the changes we have brought in in respect of people paying rent and income supports and what happens in the next three months. Several amendments seek additional reports and ask to put a timeline in emergency legislation. We think there is no need to do that. We have started this work already and the ESRI will do it. We are happy to engage with the Deputies regarding additional terms of reference feeding into that, and to use that report to look at any other measures that might be needed later. There is no need, however, to put in emergency legislation that we are going to draw up a report that we are going to do anyway and that we have started. I hope Members will understand and co-operate with that as best they possibly can.
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