Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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187. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he plans reform of RPZs on foot of the recommendations contained in the report of the Housing Commission; his views on the private residential sector as a critical component in achieving Ireland's housing for all goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40734/24]

Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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188. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he has considered the impact of rent controls or policies similar to RPZs on housing markets in other jurisdictions when developing policy; his views on the current RPZ system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40735/24]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 188 together.

As part of the Residential Tenancies Act, the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016, introduced a targeted Rent Predictability Measure to moderate rent increases in those parts of the country where rents are highest and rising fastest. Rent control areas, known as Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs), are applied on the basis of the objective evidence available via the RTB Quarterly Rent Index Report. Currently, 82% of tenancies across the country are subject to rent controls.

The Government has decided to approve the urgent drafting of amendments to the Residential Tenancies Acts for inclusion in the Planning and Development Bill 2023 at Report Stage in Dáil Éireann to extend the operation of RPZ rent controls for a further year until 31 December 2025 and to provide for related matters. The Government wishes to give renters and everyone connected to the rental sector foresight and certainty that existing rent controls will continue in operation until 31 December 2025.

The Housing for All Action Plan Update, published in November 2023, included a commitment to review the operation of the private rental sector and this report was published in July 2024. The review noted issues arising from the current system of rent controls and also the need to ensure the regulatory system for the rental market adequately balances the interests of landlords and tenants. The review recommended a comprehensive examination of the current RPZ system in light of market changes and experience in other jurisdictions, in advance of their expiration at the end of 2025. The examination of the RPZ system will consider whether they should be continued, adapted or removed.

My Department has requested that the Housing Agency to undertake the review of RPZs, which will also examine the recommendation of the Housing Commission to establish a system of 'Reference Rents'.