Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, for attending. I also thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to discuss this issue, which is of national importance.

Many Deputies on both sides of the House can relate in some way to the services of the Private Residential Tenancies Board. This arises from the increased dependency over the years by people needing to occupy rented accommodation. As a consequence, they depend on the services of the PRTB when required.

On many occasions in recent years, I have received representations not only from my own constituents but also from others throughout the country who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the PRTB's deliberations. I wish to bring one recent case to the Minister of State's attention. It concerns a young family which is now living in my constituency, but which previously lived elsewhere up to 2008. It vacated rented accommodation and was distressed because it could not recoup a deposit of €2,000 that was due to it from the landlord. It took great heart when three years ago a determination was made by the PRTB that the deposit should be refunded. It could not believe, however, that the landlord did not turn up or engage in the process at all. As a result, it lost heart. The family's opinion of the PRTB is that it is powerless and useless. Five years later, that young family still has not recouped its deposit.

The landlord has not engaged with the Private Residential Tenancies Board.

I am conscious that the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 is proceeding through the Houses. I hope that following its enactment the Private Residential Tenancies Board will have greater powers to enable it bring about the result that families, including the one to which I referred, need and deserve. I would be grateful if the Minister of State could provide me with some comfort on this particular issue.

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