Tourism Revenue

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023

Tuesday, 18 April 2023

Questions (688)

Richard O'Donoghue

Question:

688. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media given that over 90% of the short-term rental business is transacted online, the reason the sanctions that can be issued against the online platform is so small in comparison to the sanctions that can be imposed on the individual - the online platforms (referred to in the legislation as ISS - information service system) are subject to €5,000 fine maximum, whereas the individual is subject to penalties of up to €50,000 or imprisonment of up to five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17760/23]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

On 7 December 2022 the Government approved the priority drafting of the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill and publication of the General Scheme of the Bill which provides for the registration of short-term tourist lettings with Fáilte Ireland in line with the commitment under Housing for All, the Government's housing policy.

The General Scheme of the Bill is currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media and will be subject to further amendment by the Oireachtas. The points raised by the Deputy will be considered as the Bill is further developed.