Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has asked the government how high must rents go before they ban rent increases.

Deputy Ó Broin was speaking after the government this evening voted to reject a Sinn Féin motion calling for an emergency three-year ban on rent increases, and which also called on them to put a full month’s rent back in every private renter’s pocket and increase supply of affordable properties to rent and buy.

Teachta Ó Broin said:

“Renters will be deeply disappointed that the government this evening voted against Sinn Féin’s proposals to support renters and end the housing crisis.

“It’s clear that renters need immediate support. Latest figures show that new rents increased by 11.6%, the highest annual increase since RTB records began in 2007, while rents for existing tenants rose by 5% state-wide.

“Rents are at an all-time high and rising, with standardised average new rents in Dublin increasing by €4716 and statewide by €3816 since this Government was formed.

“It begs the question, how high must rents go before the government bans rent increases?

“I am urging them to explain why they have abandoned renters instead of backing our plan.

“Sinn Féin’s plan would tackle the housing crisis and stand up for renters. It would put a full month’s rent back in every private renter’s pocket, and increase the supply of affordable properties to rent and buy.

“The government this evening had the opportunity to show that they are on the side of struggling renters by supporting Sinn Féin’s plan. They chose not to.

“With every passing day, it is clear that only a change of government, a change of housing policy and a change of Housing Minister will allow us to start cleaning up the mess of decades of bad Fiana Fáil and Fine Gael housing policy.”