Martin Daly (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)

I support the Bill. It is an important interim measure until the full extension of the RPZs happen next March. It is very important that protection is afforded to tenants in the interim. The Minister and Minister of State have demonstrated their concern that there would not be a precipice and that tenants would not be left vulnerable to some landlords. It would not be all landlords and we need to be careful of the language we use.

The extension of the rent pressure zones to the entire country is to be welcomed. It was a difficult process trying to thread that needle to balance the rights of tenants and landlords, and to encourage private investment in the housing market, most especially in the area of apartments. It is clear that targets were not met last year because of the precipitous fall-off of investment in building apartments. The status quo was simply not good enough. The State can carry a significant burden in terms of the cost of the provision of housing but it cannot carry it all and we do need private investment.

It is also important to note this is only part of a suite of measures coming through. There is the planning framework, the change in the role of the Land Development Agency and the extension of its remit, and the appointment of the chair of the planning commission. I am sure that under the new revised housing plan other measures will be introduced by the Minister. It is important that we show urgency in this matter. A generation of younger people expect it of us and if we do not deliver we will be judged accordingly.

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