Senators have voted by a majority of just one to approve rent increases of up to 4% plus inflation of 2.5% for high earners living in rent-controlled property.

The vote was won by 37 to 36. Senators from the ruling Labour party had been highly critical of the plans but eventually voted in favour.

The aim of the measure is to make it more expensive for high earners to live in rent-controlled homes. This, ministers hope, will encourage them to move to the free market sector – housing with an official rent of more than €681 a month.