Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 28 Jan 1999

Vol. 499 No. 2

Written Answers. - Eviction of Tenants.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

23 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to claims by the housing organisation, Threshold, that there has been a five fold increase in the number of tenants evicted from private rented dwellings in 1998; the plans, if any, he has to afford additional protection to private tenants, particularly in view of the fact that many of these evictions seem to be to facilitate redevelopment or sale of property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2052/99]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

I have seen reports of claims of an increased incidence of evictions from private rented accommodation.

The rights of tenants of such accommodation and the protection available to them, are, in the first place, governed by the terms of the lease or other tenancy agreement under which the tenancies are held. These are subject to the provisions of the landlord and tenant code which is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. In considering security of tenure issues, there is a need to achieve a fair balance between the rights of both tenants and landlords in a way that is compatible with constitutional requirements and that ensures a continuing investment in the provision and maintenance of rented accommodation. I will be considering, in conjunction with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, what further action may be warranted and open to us in relation to security of tenure of rented accommodation.