Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht

Private Residential Tenancies Board: Discussion with Chairperson Designate

3:25 pm

Ms CaitrĂ­ona Walsh:

As mentioned by the Chairman, we have discussed the issue of anti-social behaviour. I agree with much of what Deputy Mulherin had to say. While the anti-social behaviour issue must be addressed by the PRTB, I am not sure the legislative provisions in this regard are strong enough. The PRTB needs to send a serious message about anti-social behaviour, including that, in enforcing determination orders, it can take account of anti-social behaviour orders made.

On the issue of voluntary housing bodies, the PRTB will have an input in this regard. However, of all the tenancies likely to be registered, disputes may arise in respect of only a small percentage of them. One would be hopeful that with outsourcing and information technology, this might be absorbed. However, I will not be able to determine the position until such time as I have had an opportunity to see how the system works and whether management of loads will be an issue.