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

——and stood at 2,000. Last year it improved to 9,825 and, while the final figures are not available for 2008, I expect at least an increase of 33% — I can say that with confidence. Local authorities were not acting as they might in this sector. As part of Towards 2016, it was agreed to upgrade the standards in private rented accommodation. Since the PRTB was set up, €7 million has been provided to carry out inspections and recompense local authorities with regard to maintaining standards in private rented accommodation. This year €3 million was granted, with €1.5 million spent on inspections of existing premises. I made a further €1.5 available provided the local authorities met targets in respect of inspections. I have every reason to believe the number of inspections carried out is increasing substantially. It increased by 44% last year and will increase by at least 33% this year.

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