Sinn Féin is calling on the Government to bring forward regulations to close the 'Airbnb loophole' that enables Airbnb hosts to use properties as full-time B&Bs.

Spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin, said renting out a room in your home for a weekend is entirely different to renting out your entire property on a rolling basis.

He said: "The problem is starkly illustrated when you look at the data available. This week there are almost 8,000 properties available in Dublin on Airbnb but only 1,200 rental properties on Daft.ie in Dublin.

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"The March homeless figures show that 7,472 people, including 2,563 children, are now living in emergency accommodation. We need to ensure that the maximum amount of properties is available for long term let.

"Media reports seem to indicate that Minister Simon Coveney is leaning towards asking the industry to self-regulate. Self-regulation is not the answer. It doesn't work. We need clear and comprehensive regulations in place so that everyone knows where they stand and that the service that companies like Airbnb provide is not abused."

(CD/LM)