Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I accept that, but we must consider where we are and from where we have come. Tenants have had very few rights. The commission tried to move matters to a situation which, I accept, will not be as good as that applying in many European countries where tenants have much greater security of tenure. However, we are moving from the first step on the ladder to the fifth or sixth step. I accept that there will be further steps. In years to come we may move forward to a situation where there is greater security of tenure.

Nevertheless, this is one of the core principles of the Bill. We are trying to achieve reasonable support and agreement from landlords' groups and from groups representing tenants. Furthermore, a landlord will always be able to demand a market rent. If a tenant has rented a property for four years, the landlord will not have an incentive to ask the tenant to leave because he can demand a market rent from the existing tenant and cannot demand a higher rent from a new tenant. If a tenant has proved himself a respectable tenant who does not cause hassle, why would a landlord wish to churn the tenancy and move from a decent rent paying tenant to one he does not know?

The effect of this amendment is confined to the first six months of a tenancy. During that period a landlord is permitted to end a tenancy without an excuse or reason. After that time the landlord may not do so unless for a specified reason, such as requiring the property for himself or a member of his family or for major refurbishment. While the amendment would be of benefit to a tenant, this provision is one of the main building blocks of the legislation and brought landlords on side.