The Government has been accused by Sinn Féin of doing absolutely nothing for renters in Budget 2022.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin in response said there are long-term solutions to the rental crisis, which is increasing the supply of housing.
The Government plans to deliver 30,000 homes a year under the latest Housing for All plan - however, those in opposition don't feel that will do much to ease the burden on renters who have to pay rent this month.
Leaders' Questions kicking off after budget day. Mary Lou McDonald raising the issue of rents - saying not a single thing was done for renters in the budget "but you made damn sure big landlords will get their income"
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) October 13, 2021
The plan includes 300,000 homes, 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable homes, 18,000 cost rental homes, and 156,000 being private sector.
Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien is set to bring forward new rent caps that will keep rent increases below the cost of inflation.
But Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald says that's little comfort to people already struggling to pay their rent:
"Not a single measure in Budget 2022 will alleviate the financial pressures faced by renters.
"No move to cut rents. No move to ban rent increases. No measures to improve standards or security of tenure.
"Leo Varadkar said one person's rent is another person's income.
"While this Budget does nothing for struggling renters, it made damn sure that big landlords still get their income."
