A call has been issued for measures to address Ireland's 'out of control' rents in the upcoming Budget 2023.

Labour representative Rebecca Moynihan has urged the government to implement an eviction ban and rent freeze as key features of new housing measures.

Senator Moynihan said: "We know that rents are out of control in this country, rising on average of 12.5% annually. With Irish renters paying an average of €20,000 annually to their landlord, a €400 tax credit is relatively meaningless. Rather than paying lip service to renters, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael must provide tax credits in line with inflation, and certainty for the winter.

"We know that some rogue landlords continue to profiteer off the back of a small rental market, earning huge sums from renters hard earned pay. Increases in most people's take home pay simply is not matching the extortionate rents charged. In recognition of this, Labour is demanding an immediate rent freeze and eviction ban for this winter to help keep people in their homes. Renters need certainty that they can stay in their home over the months ahead while we await the increase in supply promised by Housing for All.

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"This would represent a more meaningful budget promise to renters and should be coupled with a commitment to bring down rents and invest in cost rental supply. Building homes is the only way out of the current crisis in the rental market. Government has the funds to do this. The Housing Department's capital spending is €120 million, or 21% below its profile. There is scope to invest in the fundamental lack of supply in the housing market through increasing targets in cost rental properties and social and affordable homes.

"The speculative housing market has a hidden human and social cost we cannot afford. Renters cannot continue to pay the price for the wasted years of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil when it comes to housing. The State needs to step in, freeze rents, ban evictions this winter and commit to building more affordable homes."