Bad news for Laois Renters according to local Senator in wake of Residential Tenancies Bill
Questionable use of government’s guillotine to shut down Seanad debate on Residential Tenancies Bill outages opposition
A broad range of Senators from Sinn Féin, The Social Democrats, Labour, The Green Party, the Civil Engagement Group and other Independent politicians today joined together to voice their disgust and frustration that the Government once again resorted to the use of the guillotine to shut down debate in the Seanad on the Residential Tenancies Bill.
The government attempted to bypass scrutiny, denying opposition senators the opportunity to properly debate the bill and discuss amendments. Not a single amendment from the opposition was accepted.
Senator Maria McCormack said:
“This is an extremely significant piece of legislation and represents the most profound changes to rent regulations in a decade. To block debate on such an important piece of legislation is outrageous.
“Minister Browne and Government Senators refused to properly answer questions and deflected from examining crucial aspects.
“We see this government time and time again refuse to allow meaningful debate and deny the opposition any opportunity to even speak to their amendments.
“This brazen move by the government shows complete contempt for the democratic processes and sets a dangerous precedent.
“This cannot be accepted.”
Sinn Féin Senator McCormack warned that the Bill is more bad news for Laois renters;
“Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael’s Rent Hike Bill will allow vulture funds and big landlords to hike up the rents of 60,000 people every year. This will mean paying thousands more in rent from March 1st.
“This is the most profound change to rent regulation in a decade which will allow landlords to reset rents to market rates at the start of new tenancies and every six years after that. From March 1st of this year, more and more renters will be subject to this new market rent reset rule, meaning already unaffordable rents will be hiked up even further.
“For renters in Laois, this means rent hikes of €3,132 a year – a shocking 25% increase compared to current average rents.
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“Across the state, rents could jump by an average of €3,000 a year.
“This is truly scandalous. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have shafted renters yet again. They are being made to pay the price for the government’s failed housing policy.
“Government should be focused on bringing rents down, not caving in to the demands of vulture funds and big landlords for ever higher rents.