Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not agree with Deputy Daly's assertions against the PRTB. The figures speak for themselves and I have read them into the record. The board's adjudication times have improved in dispute resolution. The PRTB is an important agency in ensuring a fair and balanced dispute resolution process is in place.

Another provision in the legislation permits the referral of disputes under the board's remit to the District Court instead of the Circuit Court. That will improve the time it takes the courts system to deal with disputes, and quicker decisions will be arrived at.

The legislation also introduces and strengthens provisions to deal with anti-social behaviour. Deputy Daly mentioned the issue of people trashing houses. There will be stronger provisions in this legislation, once enacted, to deal with anti-social behaviour in a fair way and in a way that ensures people take responsibility and are accountable for their actions.

The Deputy also raised queries about NAMA and its contribution. The agency has delivered 1,600 houses and apartments to local authorities and AHBs for social housing use and it has invested more than €40 million in making those properties ready for purpose. NAMA is committed, and is firmly on track, to delivering 4,500 new residential units in the greater Dublin area by the end of 2016, and in 2014 the agency funded more than 40% of the total new housing output across the four Dublin local authorities. However, NAMA alone cannot meet the lack of housing supply. It is important that the property sector returns to normal and functions properly.

I have outlined the reasons we cannot accept the amendments. We need a balanced approach until supply improves. We believe this legislation is fair and it ensures added protections for tenants and certainty until the property and rental markets normalise. That is seen as a fair approach.

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