People living in council housing could see their rent taken directly from social welfare payments under new plans.
A working group’s been set up to consider the move as some local authorities face high levels of rent arrears.
There has been a mixed reaction to this proposal on the streets of Dublin city.
Former Lord Mayor of Dublin, councillor Nial Ring, says the proposal is welcome;
"There's people who'd love a City council house."
"But because we can't get all the rent, how are we supposed to provide more houses?"
Dublin City
The largest local authority in the country, Dublin city council, is owed almost €38 million in rent arrears with 64% of tenants behind.
Councillor Mannix Flynn says people who refuse to pay should be taken to court;
"The vast amounts of City Council rents are paid for."
"I would see this [proposed measure] as an attack on the most vulnerable."
"This would have to be done on a case by case basis."
Already In Place
Mike Allen from homeless organization Focus Ireland says a voluntary system is already in place;
"If they're moving to compulsory systems without discussing it with people, without getting people to deal with their budgetary issues."
"I think there would be much greater problems."
It’s thought the measure could help people better manage their finances, stop arrears from becoming an issue and make rent collection more efficient.
