David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Senator may not have someone to second the amendment so I am taking the opportunity to propose it in the first instance.

The other issue I wish to refer to is the housing crisis. We raised this matter on the Order of Business on several occasions in the run up to Christmas. I commend the Leader on the range of issues on which the House will take statements in the coming days. These are all matters in respect of which Senators previously sought debates. I am of the view, however, that there is also a need to debate the position with regard to housing in the short term. There is a difficulty in respect of a lack of supply and rising rents. In addition, there is a major problem in the context of rent caps and the impact these are having on many people. I do not believe that lifting such caps would constitute a solution. Such a move might have the unintended consequence of increasing rents, thereby making matters more difficult for those in the private rented sector who do not receive rent supplement. However, we must examine the possibility of controlling rents. The latter comes within the power of the Government. Any of the measures the Government has put forward to date do not go far enough in the context of meeting people's needs.

This matter is increasingly becoming one of concern throughout the State. It began as a major issue in Dublin as a result of rising rents and it is now such an issue in Waterford, where the Leader lives. Those Senators who deal with ordinary individuals on a regular basis will know that the problems relating to housing and rent caps are becoming massive. People simply cannot find accommodation and they are finding it difficult to get access to either the rental accommodation scheme, RAS, or the housing assistance payment, HAP, on foot of rent caps. While lifting those caps might not represent the solution, there are other actions the Government can take and interventions it can make in order to help families. I, therefore, request a debate on housing and on the supports that are being put in place to meet people's needs.