Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

The important issue raised by the Deputy is that of standards. The Department is anxious that the standard of accommodation is raised to improve the lifestyle of those renting. Recently, I increased the amount of funding to local authorities to examine rental properties and ensure they are up to scratch. There has been a significant increase in local authority inspections in 2006 with 9,835 inspections reported, an increase of 44% from 2005. I have allocated moneys on the basis of target inspections from local authorities. Local authorities putting an emphasis on inspecting private rented accommodation, ensuring it is up to standard, will be rewarded with more funding. There was a 50% increase in the amount of funding given this year.

The system of rent supports is a matter for the Department of Social and Family Affairs. An agreement was reached——

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