Sinn Fein has claimed the Planning and Development Bill is "weak" and is calling on the government to recognise that rent certainty is key to alleviating pressure on households.

Deputy Dessie Ellis called the Bill a "wasted opportunity".

He said: "I have couples and families coming into my office in Dublin North-West who are working, and in good jobs, yet they cannot afford to keep up with rent increases at the moment. They are now in danger of becoming homeless.

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"The consequences of these continuous rent increases are not trivial and it affects everyone dependent on the private rental sector for accommodation. This includes middle income working families who cannot afford to save to buy a home, low income families that are paying up to 60% of their disposable income on rent. The situation is such that many parents have no choice but to decide between paying rent and covering increasing back to school costs or Christmas presents. The Government must recognise that rent certainty is key to alleviating pressure on these households."

(CD/LM)