Derek McDowell
Ceist:90 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to introduce new legislation in the landlord and tenant area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1584/00]
Written Answers. - Private Rented Sector.
The general landlord and tenant legislative code is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. In so far as private rented residential accommodation is concerned, the operation of the legislation is one of the areas being examined by the Commission on the Private Rented Residential Sector which I established last July. The commission has been asked to report to me by 1 June of this year and I have asked the commission to make such recommendations, including changes to the law, as the commission considers proper, equitable and feasible with a view to improving the security of tenure of tenants in the occupation of their dwellings; maintaining a fair and reasonable balance between the respective rights and obligations of landlords and existing and future tenants; and increasing investment in, and the supply of, residential accommodation for renting including the removal of any identified constraints to the development of the sector.
I will carefully examine the recommendations of the commission in respect of the landlord and tenant legislative code in consultation with my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.