Mr Martin said he was “conscious” that the rental market also needs supports.

Assistant manager of Threshold’s southern regional services office, Regina Baylor, said the unlawful retention of a deposit can have major impacts on renters.

The Taoiseach said that pitting landlords against renters is a ‘false narrative’ making Ireland’s homelessness problems worse.

The Minister for Social Protection said a decision will be made in the coming weeks

Thousands of landlords have been leaving the market recently, prompting fears it will lead to fewer rental properties in an already stretched market.

Focus Ireland's director said the homelessness crisis is likely "much worse than the numbers we are seeing"

Just under one third of renovators said the work will focus on energy efficiency upgrades