Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy O’Callaghan for raising this very important issue. At the outset, I completely agree with the Deputy and I condemn in the strongest possible terms this abhorrent behaviour. While we may not be sure of the scale of it, it does occur from time to time and any time it occurs it needs to be condemned and we need to do everything we can to ensure it is stamped out.

In respect of an update on this issue, we are totally committed to preventing and addressing sexual abuse and gender-based violence in all of its forms. I have sought advice from the Attorney General on this specific matter and following receipt of that advice I wrote to my colleague, the Minister for Justice, on 12 January. We are currently considering the matter between the two Departments as to the best legislative vehicle to deal with it. It is a complex area and we need to look at all of the potential elements involved. The current approach to dealing with this issue needs to be carefully considered and my Department and the Department of Justice are working together to bring options forward to myself and to the Minister, Deputy McEntee, about how we will legislate for it. It includes assessing whether changes may be required to residential tenancies legislation or indeed through the introduction of criminal charges, but it may be both. It may be both a justice Bill and amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act.

People attempting to prey on the vulnerability of others seeking accommodation is completely and utterly unacceptable behaviour. All possible avenues towards addressing this will be considered. I will keep the Deputy and House informed specifically. Myself and the Minister, Deputy McEntee, have asked our officials to prioritise this work. I know that if we require legislation, which we will, I will be seeking the co-operation of the House to ensure that any additional changes or amendments to current legislation or new legislation will be brought forward and will be passed in an expeditious manner. That is the current position with this matter.

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