Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on standards in the private rental accommodation sector. Some months ago we became rightly agitated about footage shown by the "Prime Time" programme about the state of accommodation in which many people in our cities live. We must recognise the scale of this issue throughout the country. There are too many tenants living in rental properties in conditions not fit for animals. There are too many residents who must put up with havoc on a daily basis. I ask the Leader to organise a debate on this issue.

There are several changes due in this area which have not happened yet. Statistics on the success of local authorities in taking action against sub-standard landlords were due to be published last year. The figures have still not been published. There are regulations due dealing with the private rental sector designed to ensure the quality of accommodation is increased. As we approach the end of this parliamentary session we still do not know the content of these regulations or when they will be published.

I support the remarks of Senator Fitzgerald on the industrial dispute in our rail services. While there may be a lack of clarity about who is causing the difficulty, there is clarity about the fact that it is the taxpayer who suffers. Iarnród Éireann, along with other companies, have received nearly €250 million in taxpayer's subvention over the past few years. We must ensure that, whatever is resolved, the efficient investment of taxpayer's money is protected.

I agree with Senator Boyle's call for a debate on the economy. He correctly pointed out there are human consequences resulting from events in Cork. We need to be mindful too of the human consequences of whether the economy grows at one rate or another and how quickly it will recover, if at all, and whether that recovery takes place this year or next year.