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

I thank the Labour Party for bringing this very important motion before us. We all hate the word "eviction". Every human being is entitled to have a roof over his or her head and this Dáil should strive to ensure that everyone has a house. For their part, 99% of landlords are good operators who treat their tenants properly but there are also rogue landlords who do not subscribe to that approach. We must remember that in many instances the State takes 50% of the rental income in tax. If something could be done on that, it would help many people.

I will give an example of people who are in serious trouble. In our local authority, the income cap above which a couple with three children cannot remain on the housing list is €33,600. When people go on the family income supplement, it means they cannot survive on their income. I know couples in receipt of that payment who have been thrown off the housing list because their income exceeds the cap. That does not make sense. I have raised this matter several times, as have other Deputies. It must be looked at because these people are seriously struggling to pay their rent. Rents in Killarney have increased to €900, €1,100 and sometimes €1,200. I have even heard of rents of €1,500 being charged. People do not have that kind of money. They will not get a mortgage on an income of €33,600 or even €40,000 to put a roof over their heads. We must do something about that.

Most tenants pay their way but there are others who, regardless of their income, will not pay a penny. Those people cannot be supported. However, the large majority of tenants pay their way and we must ensure there are no evictions of those people.

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