Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We all know from history the atrocious conditions of the 19th century that led to Victorian slums. We also know about the unscrupulous individuals and the conditions that led to the rise of Victorian slums and slum landlords: a housing shortage, overcrowding, homelessness leading to poor sanitary conditions, and the lack of tenants' rights. Shockingly, these factors are no different from those that have led to today's 21st century private rental slums and slum landlordism. Earlier this year, it was reported that one property management company in Dublin was renting a number of houses to up to 70 people at a time. Up to 15 people were living in some rooms. People were effectively squeezed into every available space. These slum dwellings — that is what they are — usually have some common characteristics: rooms filled with bunk beds, non-existent health and safety features, and fire hazards. Advantage is often taken of nationals from other countries and they are often preyed upon by the unscrupulous landlords. In many cases, tenants have no lease and pay their rent with cash in hand. Toilet and sanitary facilities are minimal or virtually non-existent. Many tenancies are unregistered. Most people who live in these atrocious conditions do so out of desperation and certainly not by choice. These dwellings comprise health and safety risks, particularly in the event of a fire. They lack proper light and ventilation. They almost certainly do not comply with the housing regulations of 2009. There are landlords who comply with housing regulations and provide good-quality accommodation for their tenants, but unfortunately the term "slum landlord" has never left us. The problem arises in the way the issues are being addressed and because of the lack of enforcement. People fear reporting the conditions in their dwellings because, by doing so, they would most likely find themselves out on the street. That is what often seems to happen.

Where is the protection for those who report slum conditions? It should be taken out of the hands of the tenant to report such conditions. The Government needs to have a proper inspection regime and enforcement procedures in place to tackle the scandal in some areas of the private rental sector. At present, where is the evidence of pursuing those who are responsible for these inhumane conditions? I have no doubt that Deputies across this Chamber can relate to much of what I have said and do not want people to continue to live in substandard conditions. This is not an issue I believe anyone here would want to turn into a political football so the motion should be supported.

Some 55% of properties inspected in 2014 were below standard. This is a massive percentage. A number of years ago, there was a survey of a large number of dwellings in Phibsborough. The results were absolutely appalling. Warning shots have been fired across the bow for a long time so we need to act and we need the Government and Opposition to support our motion.

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