asked the Minister for the Environment if he intends to lay down standards of safety for private rented accommodation.
Written Answers. - Private Rented Accommodation.
463.
Local authorities already have powers under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1964, and under the Fire Brigade Act, 1940, in relation to existing buildings which may be dangerous from the structural or fire viewpoint.
Under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, the authorities may also require, in appropriate circumstances, that new development, including a change of use, meets suitable structural standards, including conditions relating to fire safety.
The draft building regulations, submissions in relation to which are at present being considered by my Department, apply to new buildings erected as dwellings and to any building or part of a building originally constructed for occupation as a one family house which becomes occupied by two or more families. The object of the regulations in this regard is to ensure the health and safety of the occupants.