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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 6

Written Answers. - Rented Accommodation.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

73 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the survey undertaken by Threshold which disclosed that one in three landlords would not accept tenants on social welfare rent support; if he has sought a meeting with the Irish Property Owners' Associ ation to discuss this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10515/00]

I understand the survey of landlords in the Dublin area to which the Deputy refers suggests that "one third of landlords will not let to rent supplement claimants due to their social problems and behaviour". I am concerned that this may reflect prejudice against tenants claiming rent supplement which could lead to people on low incomes finding it very difficult to secure accommodation. However, as a full report arising from the survey will not be published until May or June of this year, it would be premature to engage in discussions with the Irish Property Owners' Association at this time.

Demand for private rented accommodation is at a very high level in relation to the supply of such accommodation at present, particularly in the Dublin area. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has established a commission on the private rented residential sector. My Department is represented on the commission along with various groups including the Irish Property Owners' Association.

The commission's report is due in June and will provide a suitable context for engaging in discussions with the Irish Property Owners' Association and addressing the needs of people on low incomes living in the private rented sector.

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