Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am concerned that many vulnerable renters may be excluded from the renter's tax credit announced by the Government in budget 2023. I have been approached by constituents who rent their homes by way of licence agreements rather than as tenants under leaseholds. We sought clarity from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who has appeared to dispel concerns by stating licensees would be entitled to claim a tax credit but who only referenced only those in the rent-a-room scheme or in student accommodation. Will the credit apply to people in standard licence agreements? We have been critical of the credit because it is simply not enough to protect people and keep them in their homes without the introduction of temporary eviction ban this winter. We believe that the latter should and could be introduced. As long as the renter's credit is in place, every renter should be entitled to it. Could the Taoiseach clarify if those renting under licence agreements- licensees rather than tenants under leaseholds - will all be entitled to the credit?

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