Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have found the debate quite profoundly depressing, as will many people watching it, especially those who fear homelessness. The reality is we need to fundamentally reform our residential tenancies sector. It was developed in 2004 for a very different Ireland, when large landlords might have had ten or 15 properties. We now have huge real estate funds coming in and buying up developments and apartment blocks. There is no reason whatsoever that there should not be security of tenure when people are investing like that. These are international investors and there is no reason Ireland should be unlike the rest of the world.

However, there is a difference between that and small, incidental, accidental landlords who build a house and have to move to another part of the country. We want them to let out their houses but, equally, they will not let out their houses unless they can get them back. People who buy a house or apartment for their children, and have done in the past, in order to send them to college are privileged - certain people in this House despise privilege - which I acknowledge. However, we have a right to private property and, unless we change that, these people should be able to rent out their properties until such time as they need them for the purpose for which they were bought.

What will be achieved by extending the eviction ban until next January other than being in the same place, but it will be winter? Along with Deputies Harkin and Fitzmaurice, I propose we extend the ban until next June with the same conditions as were brought in for Ukrainians so that planning would not be required to bring buildings back into use or to convert buildings to residential use or for temporary accommodation.

The idea that all the houses required will be built by January 2024 is not possible. We will not even have planning permission by then. I, therefore, urge Sinn Féin to perhaps consider that.

If we are to extend it, individuals will have to be able to move back into properties, otherwise they are just going to be driven out of the market and make a bad situation worse.

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