The Housing Minister has been forced to launch a new attempt to fix a drafting error in the law behind rent caps.
The Housing Minister has been forced to launch a new attempt to fix a drafting error in the law behind rent caps.
Simon Coveney last night offered an amendment to stop the 4% rent cap accidentally being doubled for some tenants but oppositions have since found problems within the remedy.
So far TDs haven't passed even one amendment and there are over 100 to discuss and vote on.
The Government Chief Whip has refused to commit to late night sittings, saying it would be unfair to staff at Leinster House.
The legislation won't have passed by 6 o'clock this evening and at that stage TDs are likely to be told to come back on Monday to complete the job.
Housing Minister Simon Coveney last night offered an amendment to stop the 4% rent cap accidentally being doubled for some tenants, but that has now been withdrawn and a second version has now been offered.
Sinn Féin's Eoin Ó Broin, who spotted the original problem, says the mistakes are what happen when legislation is rushed.
Under the plans, rent increases will be capped in Dublin and Cork from next week, and in commuter towns and cities including Limerick and Galway from as early as February, if the legislation is passed in the Dáil.
But Midwest Simon has hit out at this, saying rent caps shouldn't be limited to pressure zones alone.
General Manager, Jackie Bonfield says the rise in the cost of renting homes in rural areas also needs to be looked at.
On the streets of Ennis today, there's been a mostly positive reaction to the Housing Minister's plans.
