Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)

I note the Minister said he would constructively engage, and I hear that. There is legislation coming up. He indicated he is going to oppose the amendments, which I am really disappointed with. I raised this with his predecessor and it is a sensible solution that does not cost the State any money because it is trying to release properties into the system that are not currently in it. As I said, I hope it would have a long-term impact in that, after the homes are rebuilt, it would encourage people to rent out these properties.

I have talked to so many people. Deputy Conway-Walsh made the point that in Donegal, Mayo and other counties, there are a lot of vacant properties and a lot of holiday homes as well. I have talked to people and really pleaded with them to consider renting out a property for 18 months to X, Y or Z and they are just not interested. It made sense to them in a way because it was not a long-term rental lease. This is about trying to see if we can just nudge them across the line. There is going to be a major crisis.

I mentioned the ARP for two reasons. The first is that there is a precedent and it is always easier to convince government to do something when there is a precedent. However, the Government needs to recognise this issue. I know people who rent properties under the ARP scheme and I know why they do it. Under that scheme, even with the reduced cost, it is the effective €1,200 rental income. That is higher than the rent in Donegal. People have to make a decision at the minute about who to rent to. Do they rent to a family who cannot pay €1,200 or do they rent to a Ukrainian family which means they will get the benefit of €1,200 because it is tax-free and they will not have a registered tenancy and all the rest? There is a displacement here, so the Government has a serious issue. As I said, there are 2,124 properties rented in Donegal under the Ukrainian scheme and that is supported by the State. Is the Minister going to make a decision tonight – or did he do so previously given that this amendment was notified to him – not to support this? This a humanitarian crisis these individuals are in and this is about trying to find a solution to try to release properties. It is a nightmare for these families and an ounce of compassion would mean people would support this.

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