Vol. 458 No. 5
158 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice the status of the working party established by her Department to review the security of tenure issue; the number of times this working party has met; the conclusions or recommendations, if any, it has made; when she expects the working party to make a final report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17350/95]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 156 of 20 June, 1995. I indicated in that reply that, particularly given the complexities of the issues which arise, I was looking at proposals by which the working of the group would be enhanced by the provision of additional resources. I have decided that membership of the group — which is at present confined to a representative of my Department, the Department of the Environment and Threshold — should be expanded particularly to include members with relevant legal and commercial expertise in the area. I expect to finalise these appointments very shortly and I propose to ask the reconstituted group to report to me not later than 31 March next. Meetings of the group — of which there have been three to date — are likely to take place much more frequently and more benefically once the group has been expanded.
159 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice whether her Department is actively considering the recommendations of Threshold regarding the regulation of accommodation agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17351/95]
I have received a copy of the Threshold report which recommends, among other things, that the definition of house agent in the Auctioneers and House Agents Act, 1947 should be amended to include accommodation agencies and thereby bring them within the ambit of the Act. This matter is being examined in so far as my Department is concerned.
