Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Sinn Féin and Deputy Ó Broin. We do not always agree on everything, and Deputy Ó Broin knows that, but I respect his intentions very much. I declare an interest in this, as I always do, because I provide all different types of accommodation.

I want to home in on one problem that is growing at an alarming rate. I say it for the benefit of the present Government and future Governments and Ministers, especially those with responsibility for housing. I refer to the mass exodus of people who are involved in the rental market. They are saying they are getting out. The property is being sold and taken off the market. That is no good for anybody because it is leaving less of a supply, which will only lead to a further increase in rents. Everyday at clinics, including last night's, all it was in place after place was housing, housing and housing. It was young people and all different types of people looking for housing. It is absolutely frightening. Who is the cause of it? Those responsible are in here. What people are hearing coming from this Chamber is making them sell homes and say they will not pay 56% tax any more when all the Government is offering is a bit of accelerated depreciation on cookers and washing machines. Who does the Government think it is codding? Does it think those people are going to stay providing a service? The rental sector is a service and it works both ways. It is not a one-way street and until politicians realise that, we will have less and less availability of housing.

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