Ms Bairbre Nic Aongusa:

Before she leaves I will answer Deputy Coppinger's question on what can be done about landlords who may be abusing the system or whatever. The key point is that we have quite a number of provisions in the Act to ensure that the tenant is fully informed of what is happening. The landlord is required to give a notice of new rent in writing and include information on the dispute resolution procedure. The tenant is told that if they are not happy with the rent set it is open to them to refer the dispute to the RTB. The landlord must provide detail on three other dwellings and, in the case of a new tenancy, the landlord has to provide the tenant with details of the previous rent so the tenant can do his or her own calculation to see whether the rent is in compliance. The RTB services are available to both landlords and tenants to inform them as to how the procedures are working but it would not be appropriate for the RTB to be policing it in the sense of being judge and jury. The RTB is an independent body.

The most effective way to ensure that the procedures are not abused is to empower tenants, and landlords, by giving them as much information, training and details on their rights and the rules. We acknowledge that it is quite complex but on that basis, the RTB is working towards providing more information and developing a one-stop shop where there will be a portal for landlords and tenants to get that information. Rather than having anybody policing externally, the most effective policing of it will be empowered tenants who know their rights and who can challenge landlords when they are abusing the process. In fairness, most landlords want to obey the law and they need support also in terms of being given information on the requirements, how to calculate the rent due and so on. We are committed to doing that.

On the question of evictions, there are many provisions in place to prevent evictions.

On the long-term vision for the rental sector, currently, we have social rental and private rental but for the rental market to function effectively in the longer term we believe we need to develop a not-for-profit rental sector and one of the actions in the strategy is to put together an expert group to examine the issue of cost rental. There is a commitment in the programme for Government that acknowledges that other European countries that have socially progressive and inclusive housing systems have a sector which provides rental accommodation to low-income families at rents which are below market rate. In the medium term, we would like to develop that kind of middle sector in the rental market, which would have the effect of moderating and stabilising rents in the longer term because the provisions we have now, the rent pressure zones, are short-term, time-bound, targeted provisions to address rapidly rising rents but structural reform is needed in the longer term. Ms Carroll or Mr. Silke might like to give some more detail.

I am not satisfied with the response as my issues have not yet been addressed.