James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 24:

In page 74, line 1, after "unoccupied" to insert "or comprises of a rented dwelling,".

It clearly should be the duty of any landlord to ensure that this section is complied with. It is very unfair to impose these burdens on tenants of rented houses. If one has a property, or is the owner of a farm or a house, it is one's duty to see that everything is in order because one has responsibility for what one owns, whether it be material goods or a bank account, for example. One should be in control and know exactly the state of affairs in one's own business. The responsibilities of an owner cannot be imposed on an occupier of a rented property. Everyone should accept the responsibilities of ownership.

If we accepted more responsibilities in this country, in every area, we would have a better country. This is a shifting of responsibilities to other parties. One can prove that an owner is accountable or has control and if something goes wrong, it is the owner or landlord who should be penalised. He or she should deal with the people accommodated and if they break the law, it is up to him or her to take action. The lines of communication and contact should be directly between the owner or landlord and the State.