Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

My amendment No. 16 is related to amendment No. 14. We are seeking the proper and full enforcement of the terms of the Private Residential Tenancies Act 2004. We must take note of the statement of the Irish Property Owners Association that there is not only an intention, but a practice of passing on the cost of registering with the Private Residential Tenancies Board, PRTB, to tenants as a further element in the overall rental demand. This is an outrageous act on the part of people in that sector who literally heap any and every responsibility on the unfortunate tenants.

This is against the backdrop where, I understand, it is "guesstimated" that there are up to 120,000 landlords who are obliged under the terms of the PRTB to register by the 1 December 2004 deadline, but who have not done so. The figure might be much greater. This clearly indicates there are major matters to be addressed.

There is a requirement on the Government to consider what measures might be taken at this time in order that these serious matters are properly addressed, that is, matters one would have to see in the context of undermining the Private Residential Tenancies Act 2004. If there is not compliance and if the registration cost is being dumped on tenants, with the landlords bearing none of the cost, that was not the intention of the introduction of the PRTB and the requirement to register by the deadline some three months past. All these matters must be addressed.

It is imperative that all the links are established, that is, in terms of tax relief relating to income, including where mortgage interest relief is sought in respect of a second property other than the registered home and place of residence. There is a responsibility on Revenue to check the status of a property in terms of its use, that is, whether it is for owner-family use, which is exempt from registration under the terms of the PRTB, or whether it is rented out under private sector arrangements. If it is the latter, in the absence of any admission, there clearly is a breach to be addressed.

Deputy Burton referred to other very important issues in regard to the upkeep and management of homes in the rental sector. Property speculators and those taking up the role of landlord have been concentrating in the main on housing schemes, particularly in rural towns, targeting homes in what would be traditionally viewed as the more affordable bracket — perhaps former council housing schemes that have been in private ownership for some years. The houses go on the market when families grow up or move on. Whatever the case, there is a change in the configuration of major housing schemes. Investors are targetting these properties and putting them outside the reach of young couples and young families looking for a home or a starter home, whatever their circumstances. They are literally being priced out of the market. If these properties are not maintained, they become a major eyesore, very much take away from the sterling efforts of home owners in the same catchment area and debase the quality of life people living there. It is an important area that needs to be factored in.

The focus of this Bill is financial but there is also the social element of all this, which cannot be erased from our consideration. It must be taken on board and I am pleased Deputy Burton referred to it also. I have raised it in the past and it is an issue that needs to be tackled head on. Property owners, whether home owner occupiers or those who operate a rental arrangement have a responsibility not only to their tenants, but to their neighbours and the community. Sadly, this is often not honoured. I commend both amendments to the Minister and I hope the critical arguments presented will find a sympathetic response.

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