More renters need to be represented in the Dáil and Seanad, Labour leader Ivana Bacik has said.
She was speaking amid fallout from the resignation of Robert Troy as a Minister of State.
Deputy Bacik told The Pat Kenny Show there is 'huge concern' over the number of landlords in the Oireachtas.
"I think people are alarmed to see disproportionate members of Oireachtas members who are landlords, relative to the population.
"I think the figure is slightly less than that, that's the number who are landowners but not necessarily landlords - I think it's 48 who are landlords.
"It's a minority but clearly it's still a bigger proportion of the population of TDs and Senators than of the normal population."
The TD for Dublin Bay South said the chambers need to be more representative in every sense.
"This is a huge issue and clearly there's huge concern about over-representation of landowners among TDs and Senators.
"I've always called for a more representative Oireachtas - the fact that less than a quarter of our TDs are women itself speaks volumes about the need for a more diverse representation.
"We certainly should have more young people, more people of ethnic minority backgrounds and more renters represented in the Dáil and Seanad".
And Deputy Bacik said such people should be supported.
"I think the reality is it's difficult to enter politics, it's difficult to sustain a career in politics - as anyone who's ever dipped a toe in the waters of political life will know.
"It is difficult - we need to ensure there are supports available to younger people, to women, to those who are under-represented to come into politics.
"That's why, I suppose traditionally, there has been - not just in Ireland but elsewhere - an over-representation of those with property.
"They can afford to take the time out to build a political career - that's something we need to change".
