A comprehensive policy document has launched aimed at tackling the growing national rent crisis.

The document by Fianna Fáil, entitled 'Generation Rent – A new deal for Renters and Landlords', outlines a clear three step strategy to address the rent crisis.

The strategy consists of strengthening tenants’ rights and rent affordability, improving the quality of accommodation and encouraging greater investment to boost supply.

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen TD said: "The proposals include specific measures to encourage long term leases to give tenants secure occupancy and to allow families to consider renting as a longer term option. We have also outlined new measures to ensure ongoing rent affordability by restricting rent rises over the next few years.

"A new affordable rent sector will be developed to allow key workers to live and work in the city centre. It confronts homelessness by raising the rent supplement and keeping it under review thereby ensuring new properties are opened up for vulnerable households. Critically it addresses the central issue of supply and complements our national housing roadmap launched last April which outlined our plan to build 150,000 new homes by 2021."

(CD)