Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson for Dublin Denise Mitchell has said that Fine Gael’s failure to address the housing crisis represents “a disregard of the duty of a government to its people”.

Teachta Mitchell continued to say that “housing is a right, not a privilege of the wealthy few”.

Speaking during the Dáil debate on Sinn Féin’s Rent Freeze Bill, the Dublin Bay North TD said:

“Sinn Féin are on the side of workers and families. We always have been and always will be.

“Rents in this State are too high and are continuing to rise. It is time to freeze rents and put money back into the pockets of families and workers.

“The Government have had four years to tackle the housing crisis and is simply not delivering.

“4000 children are homeless. More and more people are being moved on to HAP. Rents and house prices continue to soar.

“In my own constituency, rents stand at almost €2000 a month, representing a five percent rise in just a year.

“Rebuilding Ireland has failed and real change in housing policy is needed. This is beyond a shambles. This is a disregard of the duty of a government to its people. We need to do something to halt more rent rises and reduce costs for tenants.

“While tonight, we are discussing putting a halt to the cycle of record breaking rents quarter after quarter, there are solutions to the housing and rental crisis facing families.

“This Bill will seek to introduce a state-wide rent freeze and a refundable tax credit to all renters, equivalent to one month’s rent.

“Sinn Féin’s Alternative Budget for 2020 committed an additional one billion euro to delivering affordable rental homes

“This Government has given tax breaks to developers, landlords and first-time buyers. It is time to give renters a break.

“Being in government is about making choices. About taking a stand. Sinn Féin stand with families and workers.

“We make our stand with those trying to keep a roof over their children’s head. We choose to do what’s right and end this cycle of exploitation that is the housing crisis in Ireland.

“Housing is a right, not a privilege of the wealthy few.” ENDS