Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

The rental accommodation scheme is a new, additional housing option whereby a person can opt for either medium or long-term private rented accommodation or social housing or for both. There is a choice. A person can opt to remain in private rental type accommodation provided by the local authority if that best suits the person's needs. Obviously, providing permanent accommodation is the answer. It takes people off the rental schemes and provides them with permanent homes. As always, having that type of security of ownership is better than renting. However, many issues must be worked out as the scheme is implemented. The Deputy asked if people would stay where they are or move. It is a new scheme and they can opt to take part in it or not to take part in it.

The Deputy is correct that the negotiations with landlords should be quality negotiations to ensure that we do not inherit a cadre of landlords who do not look after their tenants. However, there is also strong landlord and tenant legislation on the Statute Book which should give some comfort in that regard.

The overall number of houses built is substantial although there appears to be more to do on the social housing side.

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