Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I echo the comments of Deputy Higgins. To expand on that, I am of the view that while the tax treatment of a small landlords, the very large proportion of whom own one or two properties, is fair, in a progressive taxation system any additional income they make from it should be taxed appropriately. The unfortunate reality, however, is that they are leaving the market in droves. That is causing evictions to take place, which is putting good people out on the street in the midst of a housing crisis. The reality is that we must do something. We can support tenants but we can also support one-off small-time landlords, if you want to call them that, to stay in the market because they are the ones who are exiting the market. Even my colleagues on the benches opposite would agree that something must be done to increase the supply of rental properties. If we do not do anything, it is evident that more people will leave the market.

This Bill is to be welcomed. I also welcomed the eviction ban in the midst of Covid-19. We are in a crisis of a different type but it is a crisis, nonetheless. This Bill offers the breathing space for tenants up and down the country to ensure their tenancies can be maintained throughout a difficult period. I would say, however, that perhaps a matter that should be discussed at the housing committee, on which I am very much aware Deputy Higgins serves, is the length of the ban. It should be discussed by all parties and by the Minister because I do not think we are going to be getting out of the rental market crisis in March or April of next year. I believe it will go on for some time and on that basis, further consideration should be given to ensure those who are in vulnerable tendencies are supported.

Housing for All, of course, sets a path for 300,000 new homes between now and the end of 2030, including more than 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable homes and most importantly, in the context of a discussion on rental, 18,000 cost-rental properties. That is something to which we must aspire. However, I would be wary of the impacts Covid-19 and, of course, the war in Ukraine have had on construction costs and any potential slow-down that might arise from that. I was pleased to note the Minister of State saying that social housing supply will show progress in quarter 4 of this year. I certainly hope that can be sustained. A point I wish to reiterate in the last few moments of my contribution is that we should keep a close eye on commencements across the State and be prepared to act swiftly to support the construction sector should commencements start to decline. That would be a very worrisome trend in the housing market, should it arise in 2023.

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