Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations. Many of today's witnesses mentioned that there is anecdotal evidence that short-term letting is impacting on the housing crisis but there is no hard evidence in that regard. We have an idea of the number of properties in question but no statistics. There are a lot of issues arising in terms of legislation. Mr. Doherty mentioned that legislation, as opposed to other measures, is required. A register of short-term lettings is important. That issue needs to be addressed.

I know that the witnesses are aware of the decision of An Bord Pleanála in regard to the short-term letting of apartments, which is not permitted, and of houses, which is permitted. Also, in the context of houses built in recent years, owners wishing to let them in the short term or otherwise are required to obtain permission to do so. At our earlier session, we heard from one of the groups that the requirements in respect of these properties, as set out in the decision of An Bord Pleanála, have not been conveyed to Airbnb and other similar operations, which is disappointing.

They do not seem to have gone to them to say that these different requirements have to be met with regard to these properties. For example, they have to be registered for VAT and as employers. People do not seem to have been told there are planning issues that need to be addressed and that they need to ensure the properties they are getting are covered properly. This does not seem to have been done.

Obviously, the working group will come back with many recommendations. I am sure many of the issues we have been discussing will arise in that context. I am worried about the use of student accommodation for short-term lettings. This needs to be looked at carefully. I do not know whether the witnesses have an opinion on that. There are other examples of properties that might also be utilised in this way.