Budget 2016: Rent certainty plans in major doubt as Noonan blocks plans

Michael Noonan making his way into Government Buildings this morning. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Group Political Editor

October 13 2015 9:00 AM

TAOISEACH Enda Kenny has confirmed that there are still tough negotiations taking place in relation to a housing package.

Environment Minister Alan Kelly was expected to make an announcement today around rent certainty – but this has been delayed.

On his way into a Cabinet meeting where ministers will sign off on Budget 2016, Mr Kenny highlighted the planned cut to the Universal Social Charge and the raising of the minimum wage as two key Budget measures.

Asked about the discussions around the housing plan, Mr Kenny said: “The minister for housing and environment are obviously looking at a package of measures on the supply side which is the real problem here.”

He said that discussions were ongoing with Finance Minister Michael Noonan to ensure that any measures would be introduced “without interfering with the market to its disadvantage”.

It is understood that Mr Noonan blocked attempts to link rent to inflation.

Mr Kenny said that the Dáil will also pay tribute to the victims of the Carrickmines fire and Garda Tony Golden before the Budget.

“First of all today is an important day. It’s a day when we pay tribute in the Dáil to those who lost their lives,” he said.

The Taoiseach also said “the work of government goes on” with other issues also up for discussion for this day including measures to share tax measures with certain countries and to tackle violence against women.

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