Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his response. This is a major issue, with 60,000 families in receipt of rent supplement. The vast majority of accommodation, particularly in Dublin, fails to meet the minimum legal standard, basically as regards water standards, heating and ventilation. There is mould growing on some walls and ceilings and only recently "Prime Time" broadcast a major special programme on just how bad conditions are.

According to the State-funded report published by the Centre for Housing Research, sub-standard accommodation is most prevalent in this rented sector. Basically, 78% of all private rented accommodation in Dublin failed the standard test, 49% in Clare and 56% in Louth. When will the Minister of State get real on this issue? I welcome the fact that he has issued a memo and that there is to be a working group. However, can we now have some action and impose heavy penalties on the landlords responsible for these properties.

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