Cork TD says Housing Minister is in 'cuckoo land' over his handling of the private rental crisis

Thursday, 6 May 2021 12:25

Thomas Gould was speaking after his Sinn Féin colleague Eoin Ó Brion called for emergency measures including a three year ban on rent increases and tax relief for private renters.

The party is also calling for €1 billion to be invested in the construction of over 4,000 cost-rental units every year.

The government say the Sinn Féin plan is unworkable and could be subject to legal challenges.

Speaking in the Dáil, Thomas Gould says the government should implement the Sinn Féin proposals despite the potential legal action:

"You mentioned earlier on, Minister, rents are coming under pressure. You must be in cuckoo land. Rents came under pressure five and six years ago. There was a housing estate in Cork where you could rent a three bedroom property two years for €1,400. To rent the same property in that estate today is €1,800. So none of the measures you or this government, or previous governments that ye supported... can work. Listen I just would like to say to you minister, would you stand off once and for all for renters and bring the rent ban that Eoin is proposing here? And if it goes to the court and if you lose, at least you can say you turn something."