A call has been issued for a three year rent freeze and tax break equal to one month's rent to address the crisis in the housing and rental market.

Sinn Féin's Gerry Adams spoke out following a recent Daft.ie report which revealed an average rent increase for the 14th Quarter in a row.

Teachta Adams said: "Working families and those on low incomes are facing increasing pressures from cost of living increases, including rents. Daft.ie reported that rents in Louth and Meath have doubled in the last ten years. Currently the average rent in Louth is €1,236 which is a 3.6% increase on last year.

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"Rental increases are impacting on families across the state and forcing increasing numbers into homelessness. Tens of thousands are trapped in rent despair as a result of government policy. In addition many others are being forced out of the rental market and out of the possibility of ever having a permanent home of their own.

"The reality is that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, their partners in government, have done nothing to reduce rental costs. Micheál Martin's adoption of Sinn Féin's demand for a rent freeze rings hollow given that this government only survives with Fianna Fáil support.

"Very clearly the government's housing policy, including the system of rent control zones, is not working."

(CM/JG)