Joanne Collins (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. It has never been harder to be a renter in this country. In Limerick, like across the State, rents are soaring, supply is vanishing and behind each number is a person - a student, a lone parent or a young worker barely scraping by. There were over 16,000 eviction notices last year. In my county, rents are at record highs. Student accommodation is oversubscribed and people are commuting from towns like Newcastle West and Rathkeale because they cannot afford to live near their colleges or workplaces. Housing supply, whether for renters or buyers, is at crisis point.

In that environment, vulnerable renters are being put in deeply dangerous situations. Limerick has two major universities, UL and TUS, with thousands of international students arriving every year. Many arrive alone with no family, little understanding of their rights and under immense pressure to find housing quickly. In this crisis, some of the most vulnerable renters, especially women and international students, are being targeted by predatory lenders. This is not alternative housing; it is exploitation. It is beyond frustrating that the Government has failed to act so far.

We strongly welcome Senator Harmon and her colleagues' Bill. It is long past time to act on this. We need to send a clear message to every renter that, whether you are living in Drumcolliher or Dublin, Croom or Cork, you are protected, this is not acceptable and this State stands with you and not with the abuser.