Mr. Michael Layde:

Regulation of the scheme is a matter for each local authority, rather than the Department which does not have an inspecting role. In this regard, there is a clear responsibility not only on local authorities but also on landlords. First, there are legal obligations when property owners become landlords. It is only in certain circumstances that a tenancy can be terminated. Second, there are legal and administrative obligations on local authorities in their oversight of housing generally, including how the rental accommodation scheme operates. The Department would be concerned if there was evidence to suggest any individual local authority was not discharging its responsibilities correctly.