Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. He said it will be 2023 before we have the regulations brought forward, which is disappointing for patrons in my part of the world. The blight of trying to get a house will continue for at least another 12 months at this rate. These regulations need to be brought forward immediately.

I ask that the Minister of State clarify whether Airbnb properties are now in a position to draw down the €200 rebate for energy costs. I think that is sinful. Not alone are they taking rental properties out of the market, we are now giving them an opportunity to have a €200 voucher for the two or three months during which they are doing business. I do not get the logic of that. The Minister of State might come back to me on that issue. In the short term, we have no hope for towns and villages with large numbers of Airbnb properties until the regulations are in place. People are doomed to wait on waiting lists because there is no hope for them.