Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 December 2004
234 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that with regard to the Private Residential Tenancies Board, the registration fee discriminates against student accommodation which requires at least two registrations in each calendar year; the plans he has to review the fee structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33971/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra
I refer to the reply to Question No. 177 of 14 October 2004.
235 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review the information sought by the Private Residential Tenancies Board from landlords; the intended use of this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33972/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra
The particulars to be provided in a tenancy registration application are prescribed in the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, based on the recommendations of the Commission on the Private Rented Residential Sector. I am satisfied that the requirements are reasonable and appropriate for the operation of this recently enacted legislation and it is not proposed to amend the relevant section of the Act.
The Private Residential Tenancies Board's registration database will be of key importance to the operation of its dispute resolution service, especially in relation to disputes over rents in excess of market levels, tenancy terminations and notice periods. It will also be an important source of information to the board in the performance of its statutory functions of providing information, research and policy advice on the private rented sector. Up to date information is essential for the development of informed policy on this segment of the housing market. The registration data collected by the board will, for example, enable the board to identify the size of the market, the type of dwellings and rent levels and trends for different dwellings and locations.
