Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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We have to get the balance right in these proposals. Our concern is that if this measure is not in place, approved housing bodies might be slow to take tenants who are likely at some point in the future - people usually sign up to a tenancy for four years or more - to progress to needing the type of care services that simply are not available. We are anxious not to create a disincentive for housing bodies in taking on certain clients. They must cater for everybody, particularly elderly persons and people with disabilities. For this reason, we are including a mechanism for the termination of a tenancy where it is clearly not possible for a person to receive the supports he or she needs in the current dwelling.

As I said, we are eager to ensure there is a balance. A number of advocacy services will be available to tenants. Threshold is probably the most obvious, given that it already advocates generally for people in rented accommodation of one type or another. The organisation has represented people before the courts and, under these proposals, will be able to do the same with regard to the PRTB. Likewise, the Third Age national advocacy programme is ideally placed to advocate for elderly people. The national advocacy service for people with disabilities will take a similar role for the individuals it represents. Where a person requires advocacy, there are several bodies with a great deal of experience in the area.

I am very conscious that these provisions will have to be carefully monitored to ensure matters are handled in a sensitive manner. We do not want a situation where approved housing bodies would be reluctant to take people whose condition may deteriorate. We are striving to get the balance right in these amendments.