The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Kelly, has stated that he would introduce rent controls or, as he called them, "rent certainty". When I asked about this matter, I was repeatedly told that the Minister was considering introducing legislation. We have a crisis. It has been described by eminent people as a humanitarian crisis.

Is there a rent controls Bill?

Once again, I am asking whether we can introduce emergency legislation to address this situation. Is any being considered? I have received the same answer repeatedly, namely, that we would see the legislation before Christmas. A Bill is not even on the clár. The situation is urgent and will get much worse.

The Deputy has made his point, thanks.

I know, but we are in a serious situation.

I understand, but this is the Order of Business.

The Minister, Deputy Bruton, stated that it had not even been discussed by the Cabinet. This is the problem. When is an emergency an emergency? We need to move on this matter.

The Minister has not answered yet.

The Government is sitting on it. This is crazy.

Clearly, there are serious issues in the housing area, which are being tackled by the Minister, Deputy Kelly, and by the Government at large. The Deputy is aware he put in place a programme earlier this year to deal with the crisis that emerged around Christmas. A number of initiatives have been put in place to stimulate housing. As the Deputy is aware, this includes the new fund to help construction of new houses, the increased activity of NAMA in this sphere and the restoration of voids in the city. Moreover, further initiatives are under consideration to improve housing supply-----

It is getting worse.

-----including the assessment of modular housing as a potential solution in this area. There may be legislative proposals that emerge as well and I can only answer for decisions of the Government at this point that go on to the legislative programme. There are a number of issues, which have been raised by the Deputy and a number of other Members. Issues also have been raised on finance issues and their impact on housing. All of these are being considered, decisions will be issued and the House will be informed.