Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to highlight the RTÉ investigation in the "Nightmare to Let" programme. I saw the programme, as I am sure all of us did. It is very sad that we depend on RTÉ to highlight issues that we have been constantly highlighting to the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy. He is doing absolutely nothing about it. Only 4% of rental properties are assessed. It is unacceptable. I have brought this up several times with the Minister, Deputy Murphy. People who are in receipt of HAP or rent allowance come into my clinic because they are looking for the landlord to do work. There is no staff in local authorities to go out and check the properties. People cannot find another property. There is no accountability, regulation or staffing yet the Minister will tell us there is plenty of money in housing. It is unacceptable. I say well done to RTÉ for highlighting issues that we know are happening. The Minister is not listening. He is telling us he is doing the work but is absolutely not. There are good landlords out there too. There are a lot of properties that are not inspected and which are not up to standard which people, families and children should not be living in.

With regard to the water refund planned before Christmas, the legislation is to be voted on in the Dáil. It is crucial it goes ahead because a lot of people have contacted me in my clinic who are waiting for the refund. It is only seven weeks to Christmas. I ask that the legislation is passed as soon as possible because there are people who are waiting on that money for Christmas.