Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2768. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 33 of 8 May 2018, when he or his predecessor decided not to implement action 20 of the national radon control strategy, namely, to amend the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations to address radon; and the reason therefor. [35186/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Strategy for the Rental Sector, published in December 2016, recognises that quality rental accommodation is critical to the success and sustainability of the residential rental sector and its attractiveness as a long-term accommodation option for households.
A key commitment in the Strategy was to review the regulations governing minimum standards in rented accommodation, to bring them into line with modern requirements. That review has been completed and on 27 January 2017, the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2017 were signed.
The purpose of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2017 is to provide a basic standard for decent, safe and secure accommodation. These Regulations focus on tenant safety and include new measures covering heating appliances, carbon monoxide and window safety. With very limited exemptions, these apply to local authority and voluntary housing units as well as private rented residential accommodation.
All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with the regulations. Responsibility for enforcement rests with the relevant local authority.
Policy measures relating to radon detection and remediation are primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. While the issue was considered during the preparation of the 2017 Regulations, at this stage, I have no plans to amend the regulations to introduce mandatory radon testing in rented accommodation. I will however keep the matter under review, in consultation with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
