The bill passed by a “large majority”.
A bill put forward by Sinn Féin proposing a rent freeze has passed the second stage in Dáil Éireann following a debate on the subject earlier this week.
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government Eoin Ó Broin, who brought forward the Rent Freeze (Fair Rent) Bill 2019 on Tuesday, confirmed that it passed by “a large majority” on Thursday afternoon.
“Government must not thwart the democratic will of the Dáil by refusing to issue a money message if one is required,” Ó Broin stated.
“Rents across the State are far too high and Rent Pressure Zones are not working to ensure rental inflation remains within 4%,” Ó Broin said on Tuesday.
“This Bill, if passed, would put up to €1,500 per year back in the pockets of renters, alongside freezing rents for a period of three years.
“Everyone is affected by this; students, pensioners, workers, families and young people. Until a programme of affordable cost rental accommodation is rolled out, there are few affordable rental homes to be found for workers and families on ordinary incomes.
“A refundable tax credit for all renters and a three-year rent freeze provides tenants with some breathing space.”
Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy – who survived a vote of no confidence last week after revealing record-high homelessness figures for 2019 – has voiced opposition to the bill, labelling it “unconstitutional”.
The bill will now move forward to committee stage.
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