Mr. Diarmaid O'Sullivan:

We propose that a protocol be put in place to address this matter. We propose that where a case involving a tenant overholding comes before the Private Residential Tenancies Board, the PRTB will alert the local authority that the tenant is overholding for the legitimate and genuine reason that he or she cannot find alternative accommodation. Some responsibility or obligation would be placed on the local authority to assist the individual or family in question to find alternative accommodation. The preventive approach is what is behind this suggestion. When support is not provided to families or individuals experiencing this type of scenario, there is every chance they will come through the door of the local authority presenting as homeless in any case.

If such a protocol were put in place, there would at least be a chance of finding a solution to the problem in which the family finds themselves. It must be acknowledged, however, that the proposal is not without its challenges, especially as local authorities are finding it extremely difficult to find alternative accommodation for persons whose tenancy under the residential accommodation scheme has collapsed. While the proposed protocol is not without its challenges, it could certainly go some way towards preventing homelessness in circumstances where tenants are overholding and may have been ordered to vacate a property on foot of a decision by the Private Residential Tenancies Board.