Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2023
116. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the progress that has been made in the implementation of Fáilte Ireland’s short-term letting register; and when she expects it will be open for registrations. [8398/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra118. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her engagement to date with Fáilte Ireland and local authorities on the development of the short-term tourist letting registration system to ensure an appropriate balance in the mix of long-term private rental and short-term letting accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8604/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 118 together.
On 7 December 2022 the Government approved the priority drafting of the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill and publication of the General Scheme of the Bill which provides for the registration of short-term tourist lettings with Fáilte Ireland in line with the commitment under Housing for All, the Government's housing policy.
I have since written to the Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media regarding the Bill in line with agreed protocols for pre-legislative scrutiny. Officials from my Department, along with officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Fáilte Ireland, attended a meeting of the Committee in public session for pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme on 25 January and additional briefing has since been provided at the request of the Committee.
My Department is also engaging with the European Commission on the draft legislation under the notification requirements of the Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS) Directive and had an informal meeting with Commission officials two weeks ago. I look forward to engaging with Oireachtas colleagues with a view to passing the legislation in the coming months.
Briefings on the Bill were provided to key stakeholders on 7 December and further briefings have been provided to stakeholders since then. On 16 February 2023, my officials held further discussions with stakeholders.
Preparations are being made for the launch of the register, including the establishment of the necessary systems and procedures to maintain and implement the register, the development of a registration portal, and various stakeholder engagements.
Planning policy is the responsibility of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. That Department has confirmed that new planning guidelines will be issued to planning authorities to assist them in the determination of planning applications in respect of short-term letting. On 3 February 2023, officials from my Department and Fáilte Ireland provided a briefing to the County and City Management Association on the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill.
