Alan Kelly denies rent reform package ready by budget

Environment Minister Alan Kelly has denied he is responsible for rent hikes hitting tenants or that a package of reforms in the rental sector was ready before the Budget.

Mr Kelly hit out at reports that his Cabinet colleagues were ready to agree a package of reforms in the rental sector before the budget and instead said there were “cowards” now anonymously briefing against him.

Speaking in Kildare, the deputy Labour leader said that there would be further talks this week about rent control, an issue which is dividing the Fine Gael- Labour coalition.