Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD Insists Backing Of Rent Freeze Bill Is Not Purely Symbolic Move

Clare’s Fianna Fail TD has dismissed any suggestion that his party’s backing of Sinn Féin’s Rent Freeze Bill is merely a symbolic move.

The bill was debated in the Dáil last night, but while it’s likely to pass in a vote next week, it’s unlikely to be enacted into legislation, as the Government doesn’t support it.

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Ahead of a vote next week, TDs last night debated a Sinn Fein Bill in the Dáil, which if passed, will mean a three year freeze on rents nationwide.

It also includes a tax credit for tenants worth one month’s rent, which would cost the state 260 million euro a year.

Fianna Fáil have signaled they’ll vote for it, increasing the likelihood of it passing.

But the Housing Minister claims the bill is unconstitutional and isn’t fit for purpose, as it doesn’t protect the most vulnerable in society.

Minister Eoghan Murphy says the bill is simply ridiculous.

Since the Government won’t give the bill it’s backing, the rent freeze most likely won’t come into affect.

But Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD has dismissed any suggestion that his party’s backing of the bill is purely symbolic, or a political stunt.

Deputy Timmy Dooley says rents need to be stabilised, and argues that his party’s stance highlights where the government’s going wrong.