Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the report published today by the National Economic and Social Council senior advisers to the Taoiseach recommending that a number of actions be taken in respect of the rental sector, primarily that rent regulation be introduced - in other words, regulating the extent of rent increases. Rent increases are out of control in this country. They have also proposed indefinite security of tenure and other measures that would make rented housing secure for families in this country.

We are all aware that a document will go to the Cabinet today on the issue of mortgage arrears. A number of Members of this House have taken a keen interest in this issue.The only thing we have to go on is the newspaper reports, which suggest that the bank veto issue will be addressed. It seems that the question of independent expert advice for people in mortgage arrears will also be addressed. I understand that the insolvency term will also be coming up for review. I ask the Leader for a debate on these measures in early course. While some people would dispute that a tsunami of repossessions is coming down the track, I have no doubt that this is going to happen. Some sort of equitable solution needs to be reached in the interests of Irish people as a matter of urgency.