Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026: Committee Stage
Seanad Éireann — 2026-02-18
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Christopher O'Sullivan (FF), Cork South-West

I say to Senator Andrews that there has been sufficient analysis of the rental market over the past two years to inform this legislation. There is absolutely no doubt about that whatsoever. Not only that, there has been engagement with the housing and homelessness NGOs, including Threshold, Focus Ireland, the Simon Communities, etc. There is no doubt about that whatsoever.
As I said, the Housing Agency and the Housing Commission are often quoted in this House, and we should listen to them. I ask everyone to go and visit the Housing Agency website and view the report which specifically says that we need a reset. That is exactly what we are doing.
In order to answer the specific question and try to avoid confusion, this amendment seeks a report within three months of publication of the legislation. That is fine. There will be one in 12 months anyway, which is one of the reasons we are opposing this amendment. That is what it specifically asks for. I do not think it gives enough time for a proper assessment and review, but that is okay. That part of the amendment is fine. However, it also deletes the lines that allow me or the Minister to commence the provisions of the Bill, which means there can be no report. I hope that makes sense. That is why we are opposing the amendment.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-02-18/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:39+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-02-18