This is too serious for cheap shots.

Students are some of the hardest hit by the rental crisis. Many students are staying in hostel dormitory rooms for whole semesters as a result of limited accommodation options. Low incomes combined with the need for eight to nine-month leases are restricting their options in the rental market.

Some 2,876 bed spaces of purpose-built student accommodation were opened in Dublin city in 2018, almost all of which provide luxury accommodation and cater for international students. Prices range from €250 to €410 a week. It does not just have a knock-on effect on rents in the local area, it also provides political cover for the Government which is failing to provide affordable options and uses the new build figures as a sign that it is addressing targets. I fear that the inaction to provide affordable rental options for students has started to restrict access to third level education for those who need to rent, particularly in Dublin. The Government is continuously delaying in bringing purpose-built student accommodation within rent pressure zone legislation. Students have been faced with huge rent hikes, particularly in Dublin and Galway. They are to be combined with a student contribution charge of €3,000, the second highest in Europe. Students are feeling serious financial pressure. I, therefore, ask the Leader when the Seanad will next hear statements on housing. Will he inform the Minister of the need to discuss in that debate the issue of student accommodation, particularly luxury student accommodation?

On Brexit, I am increasingly tired of listening to people like Mr. Jacob Rees-Mogg, MP, talk about the 17 million people who voted to leave. What about the 16.3 million who voted to remain? Have they no rights whatsoever? I also point out that the United Kingdom has a population of 67 million; therefore, the figure of 17 million is not as impressive as it sounds. Furthermore, it is being said it would be undemocratic to have a second referendum. Those who say it do not seem to have any problem whatsoever with Prime Minister May putting her ratbag of notions about the European Union to a vote for the fourth time within a couple of weeks. There is, apparently, nothing undemocratic about it, but having a second referendum to take the temperature of the people is undemocratic.

Moreover, I agree with Senator Ardagh about cuckoo funds and certainly think we should take action. I am delighted that Germany is doing so. It is outrageous that foreign investment companies come here to buy up enormous blocks and prevent young people from getting a foot on the property ladder. I also strongly support the No Consent, No Sale Bill 2019 brought forward by Sinn Féin. It is excellent and, of course, it should be done. Foreign vulture funds come here to buy up enormous numbers of debts from the banks that were saved by the ordinary people of Ireland after their disgraceful behaviour, in which they are still engaged. We are now allowing the people to be treated like slaves. Their homes are being sold over their heads. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the wonderful Irish Republic, by which we stand and in which we see these things happening without much by the way of protest.