Sinn Fein has claimed the Housing Bill 2014 fails to provide any solutions to the housing problems.

SF Senator Kathryn Reilly said the bill actively seeks to sweep the problem under the carpet.

Seantor Reilly said: "The 90,000 applicants on waiting lists are not a problem of definition. They are men, women and children in need of a secure affordable home.

"The Bill being presented is quite clearly an attack on the very notion of social housing. Private accommodation is by its definition insecure. It is open to the whim of the market and the landlord. It has not served as a good option for those on low incomes, precarious employment or unemployed.

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"We have seen in recent years and months many more families in danger of losing their homes or actually being put out on the streets due to the whim of landlords. Tenants are not being protected.

"The people who are being squeezed, understandably do not trust this government to fix the problems. Sinn Fein has submitted amendments at Dáil stages and will do so again in the Seanad. These amendments will seek to bring clarity to the bill and protect the interests of those with a housing need."

SF will also propose better models for tenant/authority engagement on issues such as rent repayments.

(CD/JP)