Surveys have shown a positive correlation between increases in house prices and increases in rents. All of this arises from the scarcity in the housing market and the advantage being taken by some landlords. Legislation in this area comes under the remit of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. However, I made inquiries in his Department and I have been informed that official statistics are not available on the number of evictions from private rented dwellings in that Department. The statement that evictions have increased fivefold was made by Threshold. It may be relying on information compiled in its offices for the claim of a fivefold increase in 1998. I am grateful to Threshold for the valuable information it makes available which helps in the formulation of housing policy and initiatives in the area of housing. I am very supportive of Threshold and I accept its findings. There are no official statistics, but it is clear, from sources in the property business, that rents have been increasing at a rate equal to the rise in house prices. It is not acceptable that rents should increase because landlords are taking advantage of the current situation. The only long-term solution to this problem is to restore balance to the housing market. Measures such as the integrated area plans, which I announced last week, will help to bring more rented accommodation onto the market. A large amount of rented accommodation has been provided by the section 23 provision and urban renewal schemes in the past. The quality and quantity of rented accommodation are both greater than ten or 15 years ago. However, we are in an era of high demand and this is causing difficulties.
On 9 February I wrote to the Attorney General asking that a detailed examination be carried out, by an expert in the area, of the scope that may exist to improve security of tenure in private residential accommodation, having regard to constitutional rights and legal issues. Last year, I wrote to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on a formal basis, on the question of examining ways to provide greater security of tenure. An assurance was given by that Department that, as far as other priorities permit, the matter would be put on its agenda and kept under review.
Legislation dealing with the provision of greater security of tenure would have to take account of the complex nature of the landlord and tenant code and of the constitutional issues. Opposition from landlords can be expected to any attempt to interfere with their rights to recover and use their properties as they see fit. A fair and equitable balance of rights between both parties cannot be easily achieved, but I am anxious to do that.
Part of the assistance I gave to Threshold consisted of the funding of an international conference to examine the area of rented housing. This was held to ascertain the options available and to learn of the experience of other countries in this area. I had hoped we might get opinions and expert advice from countries outside Europe, but most of the speakers came from the European region. However, there may be other opportunities at a later date to do that. Two main findings emerged from that conference. There is no country in Europe to which we can look for evidence of best practice and European governments, in general, are relaxing controls on the private rental sector. Regulation can prohibit property holders from making their property available for rent. It is necessary to strike the right balance. Irrespective of our constitutional difficulties and existing legislation, there is a need to introduce legislation to provide greater security of tenure for tenants while recognising the rights of landlords.
