Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has urged all parties and none to support the Rent Freeze (Fair Rent) Bill 2019, which aims to reduce and freeze rents across the State.

 Teachta Ó Broin said:

 “Rents across the State are far too high and Rent Pressure Zones are not working to ensure rental inflation remains within 4%.

 “This Bill, if passed, would put up to €1,500 per year back in the pockets of renters, alongside freezing rents for a period of three years.

 “Renters across the State are paying inflated rents, they are trapped in the rental sector and cannot move because there is nothing affordable to rent or purchase and they cannot save for a deposit.

 “Everyone is affected by this; students, pensioners, workers, families and young people.

 “Until a programme of affordable cost rental accommodation is rolled out, there are few affordable rental homes to be found for workers and families on ordinary incomes.

 “A refundable tax credit for all renters and a three-year rent freeze provides tenants with some breathing space.

 “But this is not all Sinn Féin are proposing. We have also made it clear that we want to deliver the biggest public housing programme in the history of the State to deliver a properly functioning housing sector for all.”