James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I cannot accept amendments Nos. 3 to 5, inclusive, and 8, which appear to have the aim of extending the operation of rent pressure zones to 23 June 2028. As Members are aware, on 10 June last, the Government approved policy measures to provide for the enhancement of rent controls and tenancy protections from 1 March 2026.

Last week, the Government also approved, as an interim measure, the provision of a two-month extension of rent pressure zones and the deeming of all areas of the country as a rent pressure zone from the day after the passing of this Bill until 28 February 2026 when the general legislation will commence. Accordingly, there is no apparent reason for the Sinn Féin amendments to cover the period until 23 Jun 2028, as new national rent controls will come into operation on 1 March 2026 and upon the expiry of RPZs. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2025 will protect tenants in non-RPZs who have not had their rent reviewed in the past 24 months from high rent inflation during the period from the day after the Bill passes to 28 February 2026. The Government intends to seek the early signing of this Bill into law by President Higgins and it is important for all tenants to be protected as soon as possible under the current rent increase restrictions that apply in rent pressure zones. The Government will introduce a more comprehensive Bill as soon as possible to give effect to the enduring policy measures announced last week to provide for the enhancement of rent controls and tenancy protections for new tenancies created.

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