Vol. 488 No. 4
30 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will make whatever legislative changes are necessary to allow health boards to make available to local authorities the names and addresses of landlords whose tenants are in receipt of a rent subsidy from the health boards thereby facilitating the legally required registration of landlords with the local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5920/98]
The question of registration of landlords with local authorities is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. I understand that since May 1996, regulations oblige the local authorities to compile a register of landlords in their respective areas, with the aim of ensuring that the premises rented out by them comply with standards and criteria set down in regulations.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government's programme identifies "maximum co-ordination of housing policy under one Department" as a key policy priority. In this regard, an inter-departmental committee is examining the implications of transferring the administration of rent and mortgage interest supplements under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to local authorities. The committee operates under the aegis of the Department of the Environment and Local Government, with representatives from the Departments of Health and Children, Social, Community and Family Affairs and Finance.
It is understood that the committee will report shortly. When the committee's report is received, consideration will undoubtedly arise in relation to the role of local authorities and health boards in the State's involvement in the private sector rental market.
It would be my intention at that stage to consider the matter, including the need for any legislative changes that might be required, in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.
