The Department of Social Protection is being called to deal directly with landlords to help curb rental increases.

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social Protection, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, said any blanket move to raise rent supplement payments risks causing further rent hikes across the board which could lead to increased homelessness.

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"There is a housing and homelessness crisis in this country. Government inaction is not an option and certain actions while welcome for those who will immediately benefit will ultimately make matters worse for all those households that are struggling to cover the cost of their rent.

"We need a social housing building programme that delivers more and faster than what has been announced by government. And we need a system of rent controls to be introduced as a matter of urgency."

(CD/JP)