A proposal to introduce a three-year rent freeze on existing and new tenancies is set to go before government next week.

Sinn Féin's Rent Freeze (Fair Rent) Bill 2019 will be moved during Private Members time on Tuesday, 10 December.

As well as introducing a rent freeze, the Bill would also call on the Minister for Finance to introduce a refundable tax credit for renters, equivalent to one month's rent.  

All TDs in attendance at Tuesday's meeting have been urged to support the legislation.

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Sinn Féin's Eoin Ó Broin said: "Rents in this State are too high and are continuing to rise. It is time to freeze rents and put money back into the pockets of families and workers.

"The Rent Pressure Zones are not working. Even if they were people can no longer afford any level of rent increase.

"This Government has given tax breaks to developers, landlords and first-time buyers. It is time to give renters a break.

"Sinn Féin has been tabling proposals to deal with spiralling rents since 2016. Unfortunately, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have blocked them."

He added: "Renters deserve better. All TDs have a chance next Tuesday to give renters a break.

"This Sinn Féin Bill, if passed, would ensure that renters would be protected from further rent hikes and that they would get a month rent back into their pockets."

(CM/JG)