The Government is expected to give the go-ahead to rent caps in the private sector.

The coalition had previously signaled its reluctance to interfere in the rental market, but the Environment Minister looks set to ask for Cabinet approval for rent controls in the coming weeks.

If passed, the changes would limit the amount that private landlords are allowed charge tenants.

They would also be linked to inflation and it's hoped they can stabilise the market which has seen rents go up 8-point-2 percent nationally over the past year.

Fr Peter McVerry, who campaigns against homelessness, says rent caps alone aren't enough: