Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2017
484. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the progress which has been made in the setting up of the expert group in line with the commitment in action No. 12 of the strategy for the rental sector that his Department will lead an expert group to develop a cost rental model for the Irish rental sector; when he expects it to be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33467/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Strategy for the Rental Sector, published in December 2016, noted that the Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to develop a "cost rental" option, taking account of work already completed in this area, including by the National Economic and Social Council and others.
In line with this commitment, Action 12 of the Strategy commits my Department to lead an expert group to develop a cost rental model for the Irish rental sector. This Group will address issues such as funding mechanisms, the need to grow the necessary institutional capacity, particularly within the AHB and not-for-profit sector (whether through mergers, new entrants or strategic partnerships), rent levels, the households to be targeted and the appropriate regulation mechanisms.
The Expert Group will assess the benefits that a larger and more developed not-for-profit segment would bring to the rental sector and the housing system, by increasing supply of rental accommodation for middle-income households and ensuring new capacity is developed and attracted into Ireland. The Expert Group will also consider various proposals, including the proposal to establish a semi-State company to progress the cost rental model, in the course of its work.
It is my intention to establish this Expert Group in the coming weeks and the development of a proposal regarding its membership and terms of reference is currently being prepared in my Department. As committed in the Rental Strategy, it is envisaged that the Expert Group will report initially before the end of the year.
