Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the speakers for their comments and general support for the measures. It is clear that most people support the general thrust of the Bill and its general objectives. People will naturally take different points of view on the issues involved in this legislation. We have tried to achieve an agreed balance, which is difficult. I do not know if the Bill is perfect — there is probably no perfection in the world — but it is a major advance from where we currently stand. Before taking a step in any direction, one must consider one's current position. We all know that the rented sector situation in Ireland is not as good as it is in many European countries.

The Bill is also part of an ongoing process rather than a once-off measure. The legal aspects of the private rented sector will not be allowed to stagnate as happened in the past because the board is now there with a specific remit to observe and report back on several aspects of the legislation, especially if it believes any part of it is not working out as intended or is being manipulated by one side or the other. We are conscious of the need to take a balanced approach and to bring all sides with us. That is what we have been trying to do.

When drafting legislation one cannot foresee every eventuality. It is only when it comes into effect that one sees how things will work out. If refinements or changes are needed, they can be made. Many of the issues raised by Senator Bannon, such as security of tenure, are addressed in the Bill. Some of his other points related to rental information which may have been a little out of date. He referred to the decline in the private rented sector up to 1991 but he did not mention that in the past couple of years there has been a substantial increase.