Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank our colleagues in the Labour Party and the technical group for tabling this legislation. I support the Bill. It is a crucial step in addressing a deeply troubling issue that has emerged in our society: the exploitation of vulnerable tenants by unscrupulous landlords who demand sexual favours in lieu of rent.

The housing crisis has reached unprecedented levels. We are all acutely aware of the struggles faced by our citizens in securing affordable and safe housing. The failure of successive Governments to adequately address the crisis has left many people, particularly young people, in precarious living situations. In this context of desperation and vulnerability, some landlords have resorted to the abhorrent practice of soliciting sex for rent. The Bill seeks to criminalise such predatory behaviour. It is a necessary measure to protect those most at risk of exploitation. It will make it an offence to advertise or solicit sexual services in exchange for reduced rent or in lieu of rent. Offenders will face significant penalties, including fines of up to €50,000.

While I wholeheartedly support the legislation, I emphasise the importance of ensuring enforcement remains primarily in the hands of An Garda Síochána. The gardaí are our front-line defenders of law and order and possess the necessary expertise and authority to investigate and prosecute these offences effectively. It is crucial that we do not dilute their role by outsourcing too much enforcement responsibility to the RTB. The RTB plays a vital role in regulating the rental sector and resolving disputes between landlords and tenants but, while it can provide valuable support in terms of information and guidance, the primary responsibility for enforcing this legislation must rest with the Garda. This ensures offences are treated with the seriousness they deserve and perpetrators are held accountable under the full weight of the law.

Furthermore, the housing crisis is a symptom of broader systemic failings. We need comprehensive solutions that address the root cause of the crisis. These include increasing the supply of affordable housing and providing better support for those at risk of homelessness. The Government must take decisive action to tackle these issues head on rather than relying on piecemeal measures that address the symptoms. Additionally, on the question of the Bill's enforcement, I emphasise the need for increased support to An Garda Síochána.

The Bill is necessary because of systemic failures, one of which is the collapse of law and order. It is unacceptable that so many predatory landlords are advertising sex for rent arrangements. They do so because the absence of strong law enforcement has created a culture of impunity for them and other predators. Therefore, I hope the Bill will urge the Government to increase investment in our police force and ramp up recruitment of gardaí.

I urge colleagues to support the Bill and to ensure enforcement remains firmly within the remit of An Garda Síochána, with the RTB providing a supporting role. We must continue to push for comprehensive solutions to the housing crisis that protect all our citizens from exploitation and ensure everyone has safe and affordable housing.