Sinn Fein has hit out at the government for failing to address the issue of short term lets.

Spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin accused the government of "dragging its heels" and said the working group set up to look at the issue has only met once.

Deputy Ó Broin said: "A stumbling block that was highlighted this morning in the committee is that there is a distinct lack of comprehensive data available on the level of short-term letting and how many units are unavailable for long term rent due to this activity. This is not good enough especially when you consider the demand and lack of supply of rental properties particularly in urban areas.

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"From responses to parliamentary questions and exchanges with the former Minister in the Dáil, it is apparent the government is leaning towards a system of self-regulation as it seeks a memorandum of understanding with Airbnb. The truth is Airbnb has a poor record of abiding by actual regulations imposed by cities in other EU member states.

"Sinn Féin is not opposed to the principle of Airbnb. Short term letting and home sharing make a valuable contribution to the tourist economy and allow families to bring in much needed extra income."

(CD/MH)