Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012
478 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has considered the introduction of a deposit retention scheme whereby a third party, perhaps a public body such as the Private Residential Tenancies Board, would hold a tenant’s deposit and act as mediator in disputes that arise, as is the case in many other countries such as the UK and Australia. [24923/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra492 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will indicate when he expects to introduce a deposit protection scheme as promised in the programme for Government; if it will be managed through the Private Residential Tenancies Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25162/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra493 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Private Residential Tenancies Board conducted a cost benefit analysis and research report on a deposit protection scheme; if the PRTB supplied him with such a report and if so, when he received the report; if he will publish same; and if he has not received the report yet, when he expects to receive same; if he will commit to publishing it in view of the fact that it was expected in the first half of 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25213/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 478, 492 and 493 together.
The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 regulates the tenant-landlord relationship in the private rented residential sector. Under section 12(1)(d) of the Act a landlord is obliged to promptly refund deposits unless, and in accordance with the provisions of the Act, there is rent or other charges or taxes owing or there is damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear.
My Department conducted a review of the Act in 2009 and the incorrect retention of deposits by landlords was identified in the review process as one of a range of issues that merited specific attention. In July 2011 the Government approved the drafting of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2011. My Department is currently liaising with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel regarding the drafting of the Bill. The Programme for Government 2011 commits to the introduction of a deposit protection scheme and it is important that action in this regard is taken in the context of a strong evidence base. I have therefore asked the PRTB to commission analysis-based research on such a scheme and to report back to me with recommendations. I understand that the PRTB has recently awarded the tender for this research and I expect that the Board will revert to me with detailed research and recommendations in Autumn 2012.
