Two weeks ago I expressed my disappointment at the leader of Sinn Féin and of some Opposition Deputies in objecting to 1,592 rental properties in north Dublin. I called out the warped logic that said building 1,592 rental properties, at a time when we have such a shortage of rental accommodation, was going to make the situation worse. I genuinely did not think that we would be back in such short order having to call out politicians for an absolute abject failure to support 100% social and affordable housing-----

----- on public land, which is the mantra we hear in this House and the Lower House every single day of the week. A target of 100% social and affordable housing on public land is what was voted against by Sinn Féin, three Labour Party councillors, Social Democrats, People Before Profit and some independent councillors in Dublin City Council this week, where they opposed the Oscar Traynor Road site. Thankfully, common sense was applied and we will see 853 housing units provided, 40% social, 20% affordable purchase a…

As regards the contribution of Senator Sherlock, if there was a cumulative rent increase of 4% and 4%, that was illegal and not permitted under the legislation the Government brought forward earlier in the year. If a landlord has been in breach of that legislation, that should be reported to the RTB, which the Government is financing with additional resources of up to €21 million for next year. We need to see more enforcement in respect of landlords who are breaking the rules. That is 100% certain and I make no bon…

No.

The Senator stated that he is not an expert on the Berlin rental market, yet seemed to have a prepared comment on the Supreme Court ruling. It is probably convenient not to have information on the Berlin situation because the fact of the matter is that the decisions that were made by the left-wing Berlin Government resulted in a more than 50% reduction in the number of rental properties. While it is convenient not to know anything about it, those are the facts and nobody can dispute them. We have to base what happe…

I think that is unfair.

It is unfair to suggest any Senator was laughing at another. No Senator would do so and that was an unfair comment.

To be fair to the Minister, he noted in his Second Stage contribution, as the record will show, that he intended to introduce Government amendments to the section. From recollection, I believe that happened last week.

Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

I want to raise an issue regarding Rebuilding Ireland home loans. We all know that the product offered through our local authorities is fantastic for individuals and families who cannot get mortgage approval from the pillar banks. In fact, these home loans will probably become even more important next year with the roll-out of affordable purchase units. There seems to be a black-and-white rule to the effect that where an individual is in receipt of the EWSS, the banks will not entertain a Rebuilding Ireland applica…

I join others in acknowledging the staff who facilitated the late sitting last night. I will put on record my thanks to Tegus, which is a US-headquartered company that announced this morning that it is locating its headquarters for the Europe, Middle East and Africa, EMEA, market in Waterford city with the creation of up to 100 jobs over the next two years. This is a great vote of confidence in Waterford city as a location for inward investment and a further shot in the arm for the growing technology sector in the …

I move: "That Second Stage be taken today."

I again welcome the Minister to the House and I acknowledge the commencement of this very important legislation in the Seanad. It is a commitment he made and I am sure all Senators will join me in thanking him for living up to his word in that respect. Everyone, across the parties, acknowledges the need for the speedy passage of this legislation. In fact, that is the reason the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage approved the pre-legislative scrutiny waiver. In that spirit, I am sure all of us…

On Tuesday next.

Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

The Minister has rightfully pointed out that we have to allow flexibility in the process to local authorities if they feel there is a need for commercial activity in an area. We may have areas of the country where large numbers of housing developments have gone in in the past without the commercial side. They may need a supermarket or GP surgery that is not in those areas. If we do not allow sufficient provision within the legislation for up to 30%, we restrict the ability of the local councils to provide much-need…

May I comment on that briefly? I do not want to prolong the debate. Having dealt with many files, I believe the information is available. It is certainly available in my local authority area in Waterford. I expect it is the exact same across the whole country. One can look at the information on the website. All the files are scanned and readily available to the public. Where there is an appeal to An Bord Pleanála, there is a specific reference to the planning file within the relevant local authority. All the inform…

We always have to think of the unintended consequences of what is proposed. If I understand the Senator correctly, what she is actually suggesting is that if a person gets planning permission for a site he or she owns, the person will not be able to enter a partnership or sell the site on to another party. The Government is committed to introducing a tax on vacant sites. If one takes the example of a farmer on the edge of Waterford city who has a site that has been zoned for residential development, he or she is be…

It relates to developments of more than 100 units.

The Senator is trying to force people to sell their land.