Louth TD Gerry Adams, commenting on the successful passing at second stage in the Dáil of the Sinn Féin Rent Freeze (Fair Rent) Bill 2019, has called on the government to “stop obstructing the implementation of meaningful measures to tackle the scandal of sky rocketing rents.”

Gerry Adams said:

“The passing of the Bill, by a resounding majority, is a welcome first step and I want to commend Teachta Eoin O’Broin and Teachta Mark Ward for their diligence and resolve in pushing this Bill forward.

“If it passes all stages and becomes law the bill would freeze all rents on existing and new tenancies for a period of three years. The legislation also calls on the Minister for Finance to introduce a refundable tax credit for renters, equivalent to one month’s rent.

“Having been resoundingly defeated today, any refusal by the government to allow the bill to go to committee stage would be a slap in the face to the Dáil.

“The reality for many working families is that they have been confronted over recent years with significant pressures from cost of living increases, including rents.

“Daft.ie recently reported that rents in Louth and Meath have doubled in the last ten years. Currently the average rent in Louth is €1,236 which is a 3.6% increase on last year. 

“Some households are paying up to half their income on rent. Tens of thousands are trapped in rent despair as a result of government policy. 

“Very clearly the government’s housing policy, including the system of rent control zones, is not working.

“There is a crisis in housing. There is a crisis in the rental market. Strong and effective measures are needed.

“Sinn Féin believes that the Rent Freeze (Fair Rent) Bill 2019 is one such effective measure and we will continue to press for it to be advanced through the Oireachtas.”

ENDS