Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I support this amendment. To solve any problem, you need data to analyse it and to identify the solutions. As stated by Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, we all need to work together. These are real people we are talking about and they are depending on us to deliver a solution. We are putting forward amendments that we believe will be a positive in regard to this Bill. Numerous Bills have been brought forward in regard to the resolution of the housing crisis. This Bill is another such measure.

I spoke to a landlord over the weekend. He charges €1,100 per month for his two bedroom property, which is below the market rate.

He has not put up the rent in more than three years because he considers €1,100 to be more than what he should be getting for the property. He respects his tenants, who are working hard. One is a nurse, her partner is also in the health service and they have a child. There are many good, decent landlords who respect their tenants. The man I referred to is really sincere and all he wants to do is cover his costs. He originally bought the property as a type of pension for when he retires. That is how he looked at it. If we do not have the data on what is happening in the rental market, how can we make the right decisions? I ask the Minister of State to accept the amendment.

It is important to acknowledge the decent landlords but there are also landlords who are increasing rents. I know of a situation where a person was moved out of a property because the landlord was selling it. In fact, the landlord wanted to get new tenants and increase the rent by €300. That was the way of getting around the rent pressure zones. The tenants were given a notice to quit, the 16 or 18 apartments that made up the site were cleared and given a lick of paint and all of them were put up for rent again at €300 or €400 extra per month. Cork City Council then came in and leased the whole building for 25 years. A huge amount of money is being wasted, by the Government and the country, through such long-term leases. I support Deputy Cian O'Callaghan's amendment.

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