James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 24, before section 13, to insert the following new section:

"13.—(1) The landlord shall ensure that—

(a) the dwelling is in a state fit for human habitation, and

(b) the dwelling is in compliance with the Building Regulations, and

(c) the dwelling is in compliance with the Environmental Regulations.

(2) The landlord shall ensure that the dwelling is available for inspection at all reasonable times by authorised officers from the relevant local authority and health board.".

Strong regulations are in place and this amendment is designed to ensure that a landlord can no longer rent out sub-standard accommodation or hovels to people. When people are paying rent they are entitled to a good standard of accommodation and those of us who came up through the local authority system know of far too many situations in our areas where people rent sub-standard accommodation. It is a minority but there is still a small percentage of people who will let out any kind of accommodation if they can get away with it. We must have standards and respect for people and that is why I have tabled this important amendment. It clarifies the situation and should be taken on board.

The amendment provides that rented accommodation can be inspected by the authorised officers of local authorities and health boards. We are often starved of the cash to put sufficient officers in place to carry out inspections and it is important to include this amendment. I would appreciate it if the Minister of State accepted this amendment.