Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On-campus college accommodation is included and everybody else needs to be registered with the RTB.

That has always been my understanding. I am happy to clarify that and work through that with the Deputy. That was certainly my understanding but I am very happy to seek clarity that my understanding is correct but that has always been my understanding concerning the rent-a-room scheme.

Landlords need to be registered with the RTB for very good reasons, including the protection of tenants. An issue raised with me by USI and others is the importance of RTB registration. I will clarify that for the Deputy. I am happy to do that because it is not within my Department's remit.

The Deputy and I support public investment in getting these projects moving. Whatever funding we are investing, we expect that level of funding back in terms of the percentage of rooms that will charge below market rates. We are doing this to ensure we are in compliance with EU state aid rules but also to ensure that if the State invests €1, it makes sure these things are below market rent.

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