Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)

The Minister will be aware that legal action was taken in only 11 cases this year, which is unacceptable. A survey conducted in 2005 found that 30% of private rented accommodation was substandard. Some of the premises did not have, for example, proper central heating, refrigerators or even cookers. The Minister spoke about reviewing the standards in September 2006 but he has not yet published revised standards. Can he update the House on when the new standards will be published? A total of 38% of the people on waiting lists are single. They appear to have been left at the bottom of the pile. Does the Minister have any initiatives to house these people? The affordable housing scheme is clearly not working in view of the number of people on housing lists. Are there any new initiatives in this regard?

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