Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We had a constructive debate on Second Stage in respect of planning and development and residential tenancies. The Minister was here for many hours of constructive debate during which we proposed ideas. I would like that atmosphere in the Chamber tonight, and that is how I intend to proceed.

I have been asked to outline Sinn Féin's policy for renters. I have dedicated a Private Members' business slot to it so I probably should not have to do so, but we would put one month's rent back in the pocket of every renter in the State up to the value of €1,500 through a refundable tax credit and seek to stop any future rent increases. Our motion at the time was and our policy is to have a three-year ban on rent increases at the current level for existing tenancies and at the RTB rent index level for new and future tenancies. The latter are determined by the size, type and location of the dwelling.

I have listened to criticism of Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson in the Dáil. I am surprised that criticism has been allowed to stand in view of the fact that he is not here. I appreciate that the Fianna Fáil spokesperson on housing was not here when we had a good debate on Second Stage. There was a good reason that the spokesperson was not here, but a reading of the transcript would have showed that we were constructive in our opposition.

I am not going to describe the situation in Berlin because I am not an expert on the housing market in Germany. Many of my friends live there because this city is not a good place for many young people, particularly in the context of the rental market. I know many creative young people who could be contributing to our culture but live their lives in Berlin instead so they will know that housing market well.