A slimy landlord told a woman she could stay in his property for free until Christmas "if we can agree something" after she rejected his offer to go for dinner.
Details of the indecent proposal, which happened to a woman renting in Rathmines in Dublin, were read out in the Dail today as Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger accused the Government of allowing a "situation where young women (are being put) in very vulnerable situations".
Dublin Live reports that Deputy Coppinger said the woman had planned to move out because the rent was too expensive, and it was then the landlord asked if she would take a reduced rate as long as she'd "go for dinner and see what happens".
The Solidarity TD tweeted out screenshots of the WhatsApp messages after her speech.
In the Dail today, the Dublin West TD said: "When she said she had to leave because the rent was too expensive the landlord said 'are you coming to live with me in my house?'.
"She [the tenant] said 'are you being serious?' and he said 'yes I think you're beautiful! Maybe you can stay here for two months for half money and we'll go for dinner and see what happens'."
The woman rejected the offer, according to Deputy Coppinger, who then described what happened next.
"He then said 'I'll make you a better offer. You can stay for free until Christmas if we can agree something'.
"Now I have the text messages here and I think it's high-time that we collate data in this country."
The woman ended up leaving the property and found somewhere else to live.
Deputy Coppinger went on to blast Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy, who she said "allowed for a situation where young women (are being put) in very vulnerable situations".
She added: "Thankfully she was able to move on, some women could actually be put under by stress and pressure because the landlords rule in this Dail and you've done nothing about it.
Addressing the incident, the minister called it "disgusting" and said he will talk to the Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan about what could be done in such cases.
He said: "That sounds disgusting, what a horrible thing for someone to have to go through. That is absolutely a matter for the gardai and I hope it is being addressed in that way.
"I will of course talk to the Minister of Justice about what can be done in relation to these types of situations that women might find themselves in."
