Seanad debates

Thursday, 17 December 2020

Planning and Development, and Residential Tenancies, Bill 2020: [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] Report and Final Stages

 

12:30 pm

Photo of John CumminsJohn Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister has outlined the protections for tenants in great detail.He referred to the time sensitivity of same give that the residential protections under the Residential Tenancies and Valuation Act 2020 will expire on 10 January. I take issue with Senator Warfield's comment that the vulnerability is one-sided. It is not always the case that only tenants can be vulnerable. We also have landlords who are in negative equity or may have lost their jobs and have no income. The Minister was correct that the aim here is to find a balance between both. That is what governments and states must do because we cannot have a proper functioning rental market without landlords. Of course, tenants need protection. The Government has protected tenants during the Covid-19 pandemic. Twice, it has not been found wanting when it put legislation protecting tenants' rights before the House. As the Minister said, if it is necessary to extend these beyond 12 April, as has been identified, he will come before the House with further protections. I accept his bona fides and share his optimism and hope that those circumstances will not arise and that the vaccine roll-outs will see the end of Covid-19.

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