Department of Finance opposed Alan Kelly’s tax plan to freeze rents

Environment Minister Alan Kelly’s proposals to use the taxation system to solve the worsening housing crisis were met with fierce opposition from Department of Finance officials.

Documents seen by the Irish Examiner show Mr Kelly was anxious to use the tax system to “freeze rents”, and help alleviate what was becoming a major headache for his department.

The suggestion was met with fierce criticism when relayed to officials in the Department of Finance, who felt strongly that any such move would be misguided and could cause considerable problems.