Alternative to Rent Pressure Zones 'will protect and support renters', says minister

It comes after Taoiseach Micheál Martin suggested to the Irish Examiner that RPZs be replaced by rent referencing

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Éoin Ó Broin told the Dáil: 'It has never been more difficult to be a renter. Rents are through the roof and last year almost 20,000 eviction notices were issued to tenants.' File photo: iStock

Any system that replaces Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) will protect and support renters, the Public Expenditure Minister has promised.

It comes as the Government has come under sustained criticism after Taoiseach Micheál Martin first revealed to the Irish Examiner that RPZs are to be reviewed and suggested that they be replaced by rent referencing as recommended by the Housing Commission.

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Éoin Ó Broin told the Dáil that Mr Martin's comments have caused great concern among renters, and described the remarks as akin to "the speaking notes of an industry lobbyist for institutional investors".

"It has never been more difficult to be a renter. Rents are through the roof and last year almost 20,000 eviction notices were issued to tenants."

Mr Ó Broin added that there is "no mention" in the programme for Government of ending the caps, which the Taoiseach has now said is being considered.

Responding, Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said the Government is "absolutely committed" to delivering more homes for people to rent or own quickly.

"I want to be clear that the Taoiseach stated he is open to the possibility of developing an alternative system to RPZs which will protect renters, but also enable people to have a clear, stable environment in which to invest."

He said any moves would be made to increase supply, which would ultimately reduce rents.

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"It is incumbent on all of us in this House to be willing to examine all policy options and look at different approaches and models because it is clear we need to build more homes and to increase the pace at which we build them. We fully recognise the need to protect and support renters."

Labour leader Ivana Bacik suggested that the Government is "set on repeating the mistakes of the past, repeating the same mistakes" in relation to housing.

She added that no indication was given ahead of the general election that the Government would be "pulling the rug from underneath renters and removing the safety net that is there" in the way of RPZs.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Martin also suggested that "a mistake" was made in relation to vilifying vulture funds in recent years and said pension funds have a role to play in housing.

Social Democrats acing leader Cian Ó Callaghan said the Government's proposals now centre around "tax breaks for developers and sweetheart deals for investment funds".