Vol. 465 No. 2
26 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment the matters of concern that have been brought to his attention regarding the housing regulations, 1996; his views in this respect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9276/96]
I assume that the question relates to the Housing (Registration of Rented Houses) Regulations, 1996. Some unnecessary concerns have been raised in relation to the possibility of privacy of landlords and tenants being compromised by the information which is to be contained in the public register under the regulations. In addition, some concern has been expressed about the level of the annual registration fee.
I am satisfied that the concerns about privacy are unfounded, as the public register will not contain the name of the landlord or tenant, or the rent of the dwelling and these particulars will not be disclosed by housing authorities. I am also satisfied that the annual fee of £40 per unit is reasonable, to provide authorities with resources to enable them to enforce, in a pro-active manner, the statutory requirements relating to the private rented sector.
