Tuesday's treadmill budget did not do anything like enough for those who are renting and have no security or affordability with regard to their homes. In my constituency, renters pay an average of €2,000 per month, which amounts to €24,000 per year. For them, the €500 tax credit proposed by the Government, while welcome, is merely a drop in the ocean. Will the Tánaiste agree to bring forward more meaningful and effective measures to help renters, such as a ban on evictions just for this winter alone and a three-year rent freeze? Will he agree to expedite the Labour Party’s renters’ rights Bill, which would give real and meaningful protection to renters currently facing such insecurity and unaffordability?

On the concrete blocks levy, I am aware that the Tánaiste said he wants to recoup costs from the construction sector. We agree with that. However, let us not do it in such a way that it will pass on costs to those seeking to buy homes.

One item per question.

The figures the Deputy gave relate to new tenancies. We will know from the census figures in the next few weeks or months the real average rent paid in all of our constituencies. I look forward to seeing those figures.

The rent credit the Government has agreed in the budget might be misunderstood. It is €500 per renter, not per tenancy. That means €1,000 per couple. If three people are renting an apartment or house in the Deputy’s constituency, it will amount to €1,500. The credit is not just for this year; it can be claimed retrospectively for last year also. Therefore, it is €1,000 for a single renter, €2,000 for a renting couple and maybe €3,000 or €4,000 if several people are renting a property. I do believe that will make a meaningful difference. It is not just a week’s rent; in many cases, it will be a lot more than that.