Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2023
110. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on plans for a Government deposit protection scheme for renters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49027/23]
View answer138. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will establish a deposit protection scheme to protect renters from having their deposits unlawfully withheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49016/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 138 together.
The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015 provided for the development of a deposit protection scheme to be operated by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). However, significant changes have taken place in the rental market since this Act and in order to inform decisions on the commencement of this measure, work is underway in my Department to complete Action 2.10 of the Housing for All Action Plan Update (November 2022), which requires an examination for the creation of a system of holding rental deposits, informed by best international experience.
The Housing Agency are currently undertaking this examination which will conclude with a thorough overview of the primary issues and will be used to inform any next steps as appropriate. This examination has a revised completion date of Q4 2023.
