Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Senator Daly, please.

I wish to raise two matters. I was at a conference on the values of nursing and midwifery held in Dublin Castle this morning with 500 nurses. I want this House to congratulate the chief nursing officer of Ireland and the HSE on what was a wonderful discussion and workshops on our values. They will incorporate and bring back compassion and care, which has been eroded so much in our health service.

I congratulate the Simon Communities on their hard work on the piece they launched this morning on renting in Dublin. Rents across the country are an issue, but I would focus on rents in Dublin in particular. The report is called Locked Out of the Market. I will support the campaign. It is extremely important that the Minister examine the report. Rent supplement in Dublin city centre for a single person is €660, yet the going rent for a one-bedroom property is €1,130. There are no units available to rent for €660. For couples, it is similar; rent supplement is €1,275, yet the average rent for a two-bedroom property is €2,700.No properties are available on the market in their range. Neither are there properties for people with children. This is a damning indictment of what we are doing. Among other suggestions, the Simon Communities have recommended the urgent implementation of Rebuilding Ireland and a tax on empty units. I call on the Minister, Deputy Coveney, to attend the House to discuss this report and implement its recommendations swiftly.