Vol. 522 No. 4
180 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of private rented units which have been registered with each local authority for the most recent date for which data is available; and if he has satisfied himself with the level of compliance. [18995/00]
Information on the number of private rented units registered in each local authority area is published in my Department's housing statistics bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
Responsibility for the enforcement of the Housing (Registration of Rented Houses) Regulations, 1996, lies with the local authorities. I am anxious to see full compliance with the regulations and in this regard my Department has urged local authorities to take all available measures necessary to ensure that landlords comply with their statutory requirements.
The capacity of local authorities to enforce the regulations had been adversely affected by successful court challenges by landlords to the registration regulations. These difficulties have now been addressed by the introduction of amending regulations early this year, leaving the way clear for authorities to actively pursue their enforcement. In addition, the exemption of compliant landlords of private rented accommodation from the 2% anti-speculation tax announced in the Government's Action on Housing will, I expect, lead to greatly increased levels of registration and better enforcement of the regulations generally.
