The Irish Council for International Students published a report earlier that outlines the impact of the housing crisis on international students. Such students are some of the most vulnerable renters in Ireland and abusive landlords know this. Some 5% have come across sex-for-rent arrangements while trying to find accommodation.

Rental advertisements constantly appear on platforms aimed at international students offering reduced rent for women, with the expectation that sex with the landlord will be required. It has been 20 months since Deputy Cian O'Callaghan introduced legislation which would make demanding sex for rent a criminal offence. The Government refused to progress the Bill, but promised an urgent solution. However, in June, the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, admitted she did not even have a timeframe within which sex-for-rent practices would be outlawed. There is a complete lack of urgency on the part of the Government in respect of this matter, which leaves people vulnerable to predatory landlords. What is the Government doing to protect vulnerable renters from sex-for-rent predators? Will it commit to progressing the Social Democrats Bill to ban sex for rent?

I certainly commit to taking action in this space and to meeting with the association that represents international students on the basis of its survey published today. I am already engaging with the Minister for Justice on the issue. It is a horrifying practice that is not acceptable in any way, shape or form.

We are also bringing in an international education mark. It is an important protection that will be welcomed by international students to ensure that students' entire journey and well-being in Ireland are known in advance of them coming to our country. I intend to launch the international education mark at the start of 2024.

I will revert to the Deputy specifically on Deputy Cian O'Callaghan's legislation and with an update from the Minister for Justice.