Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

In reviewing the operation of the 2004 Act, the PRTB considered the licensing arrangements but did not make a recommendation in this regard. Such issues are understood to be the subject of an insignificant proportion of the cases received by the board. It is, however, mindful of the need to ensure tenancy registration requirements are not avoided through licensing and other arrangements and will continue to adopt a robust approach to the matter.

On foot of the matter being brought to my attention, I have included the issue of licensing in the review. I will presently be in a position to sign off on the terms of reference of that review.

The notice posted on the website of the Irish Property Owners' Association has also been brought to my attention and officials of my Department have been in contact with the association. I am told that the notice was posted four years ago and will be reviewed. The association did not see a problem with the notice when it was posted.

Licences are applicable where a person stays in a hotel, hostel, guesthouse or digs, or shares a house with its owner under the rent-a-room scheme. The only exception to this is where a person stays in rented accommodation at the invitation of a tenant. If the tenant of the property is the owner's son and he invites others to live with him, some provisions of the Act will apply.

If the Deputy supplies evidence to suggest that provisions of the Act are being abused in a licensing arrangement, I will forward it to the PRTB. I have discussed at a recent meeting the issues he has raised today.

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