Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is a particularly grim time to be a renter in Cork or elsewhere. I do not believe there has ever been a good time to be a renter. Historically, the protections available to renters in this State have been very poor compared with those in other jurisdictions. This legislation, which I welcome, would go some distance towards rectifying that. However, the inequality that exists between the tenant and the owner of the property is profound. I will outline the situation in which people find themselves. Like other Deputies, I talk to many individuals, particularly young people, who are in rented accommodation. The choices they face are heartbreaking and, frankly, many of them find them very depressing. Effectively, many of them have a choice between living independently and being able to put together money to get a permanent home. That is the choice they face, especially when there is a situation in which one's rent and ability to pay the rent cannot be taken into account for a mortgage.

Rents in Cork city are now an average of almost €1,600 per month. Two years ago, they were approximately €1,400. It is not that long ago that they were €1,100. The figure is skyrocketing. It is out of control. Many individuals and families are at the pin of their collars. In addition, it is very difficult to find anything and there are queues when a house becomes available to view. There was a report last week on the challenges single parents have when they are competing for rental properties. It is completely dysfunctional and is causing profound hardship. Supply is the key part of resolving this and it must be ramped up urgently. Additional protections must also be provided.

I wish to raise a final point with the Minister of State. I have raised this with him previously. It relates to the new circular. It is causing serious problems. I also wish to flag the Carrigaline loophole. I have raised this matter with numerous Ministers. There are three areas in the country where, due to boundary extensions, the rent pressure zones cannot be extended to places where the rents are increasing way beyond the levels necessary. Due to redrawing, that is not taken into account and cannot be captured. That must be fixed.

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