Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I second Senator Aideen Hayden's call for a debate on rental accommodation. The issue is demand driven and the greater the demand, the higher the rents. Landlords are aware that people are seeking accommodation and that they will pay whatever they can to get it because of the scarcity. I reiterate a call for a debate on rent caps for rent supplement which are inadequate. Accommodation cannot be found under the cap provided for. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Social Protection to come in for a debate on rent caps which are far too low in particular areas. Around the country it is very difficult to find accommodation under the rent cap. People are paying cash under the counter to landlords to bring down the cap. They will bring down the cap and get the balance in cash. I call for a debate on that issue.