Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2007
108 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will increase funding for the Private Residential Tenancies Board which will allow further investment in the regulation and registration of private rented housing standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35258/07]
Amharc ar fhreagra126 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to ensure that all rented accommodation is up to an acceptable standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30545/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 126 together.
Significantly increased funding, from the proceeds of tenancy registration fees received by the Private Residential Tenancies Board, is being made available to local authorities in respect of functions relating to private rented accommodation standards and rent books. Over €2m was provided in 2006, an increase of 28% over 2005 funding. A further €3m is being allocated in respect of 2007, linked to local authority performance in the enforcement of the standards regulations, bringing total funding for this purpose since 2004 to approximately €7m.
I refer also to the reply to Question No. 67 on today's order paper regarding inspection of private rented accommodation by local authorities. I look forward to a continuation of the trend of increased levels of local authority enforcement performance in future years, supported by correspondingly strong levels of funding.
This funding is being provided in the context of an Action Programme announced in September 2006, on foot of a commitment in the partnership agreement Towards 2016, to promote improvement in standards in private rented accommodation, involving a range of measures including improved regulation, enforcement, funding and information. Good progress is being made with the Programme. In addition to increased funding, updating of the existing standards regulations in consultation with relevant interests is progressing, and two reports recently published by the Centre for Housing Research on measures to promote improvement in private rented accommodation standards will also make an important contribution to the success of the Programme.
