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

I wish to declare an interest in this matter, as I provide housing solutions and accommodation to many sectors of our society.

I want to tell the truth about what is happening. Deputy Boyd Barrett knows I have nothing but the utmost respect and time for him on a personal basis, but it is crazy to hear people like him continuously speaking about housing and attacking people who provide housing solutions. For one thing, I have never heard him or anyone like him acknowledging that people who provide accommodation pay 56% in tax. The State takes way more than half of the rent. It should be acknowledged that the Government takes most of the rent.

People who provide accommodation have to pay mortgages. Do not get me wrong, as it is not that are different than any other business or are a pity, but if it is such a good business to be engaged in, why is everyone selling up and leaving it? It is because they will not put up with it anymore. Something that is driving them mental is what is happening in this Chamber. Everyone who is providing rental accommodation is either considering selling or is selling. The statistics back that up. If we are attacking the supply and do not have a vibrant rental market, how are we going to solve the problem? The State will not be able to take care of renters. I want the State to build more local authority houses in Kerry. I want it to build single rural cottages and to repair the 171 houses that are idle. I want it to do everything it can. However, we must have a rental market. It is being destroyed by Deputies shouting and mouthing all the time and vilifying people who own properties.

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