Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Government has brought in six different rental Acts since coming into office two years ago. We have capped rent increases in rent-pressure zones to 2% per annum. All new tenancies created on or after 11 June this year will become tenancies of unlimited duration after six consecutive months in occupation under the tenancy. Ultimately, the only answer here is for us to build enough homes to ensure that people have options, including cost-rental and affordable purchase, with those who qualify able to get access to a social home. That is what the Government is focused on doing. We can introduce more legislation to restrict rights of landlords and make it more difficult for them to secure vacant possession and sell a home, but more landlords will leave the market and the situation will get worse. There is a balance to be struck here to ensure we have an adequate supply of rental accommodation in the private market.

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