Vol. 541 No. 4
344 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the large number of private landlords who will not accept rent allowance from tenants; the plans he has to ensure that private landlords are appropriately registered with local authorities and do not reject tenants on the basis that they have been awarded rent allowance from their local health board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23116/01]
Under 1996 registration of rented houses regulations, landlords are obliged to register certain rented residential properties with the relevant local authority. Responsibility for enforcement of the regulations is a matter for each local authority. My Department has urged local authorities to take all available measures necessary to ensure compliance. Landlords may choose to whom they rent their properties, subject to complying with equality legislation which is the responsibility of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
