Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I am sympathetic to the Senator. In recent years, with the huge demand for housing and higher population levels, there has been pressure on the housing market. There is no doubt that some landlords have let out accommodation which is not very suitable. The best way to improve standards is to improve supply, which is what we have tried to do. Last year 68,000 new housing units were completed and it is a fact that in the past two years there has been more supply in the market.

Rent levels have come down and, as such, a prospective tenant can afford to be more choosy and demanding. I agree that two to five years ago landlords with substandard accommodation could let that out because people did not have better options. However, if we can continue with this level of supply for the next couple of years it will mean that prospective tenants will not have to queue up outside houses waiting for a landlord to arrive. People will be able to have time to think and they can look at what is on offer. Those offering good accommodation will get good quality tenants and those offering bad accommodation will not.

We have had the regulations but enforcement has not been great due to lack of supply. My officials and the commission have been very much involved in dealing with this for a couple of years.

It is intended that when the Bill is enacted the standards regulations will be re-examined and improved. Passing regulations is one thing but the best solution to protect tenants is a better supply of accommodation that will allow people to choose. We all want good quality accommodation but the provisions in Senator Bannon's amendment are already contained in regulations and in other legislation. Inserting such provisions in the Bill will not give it any extra effect because it is already the law. Reinforcing it in any other legislation will not make it clearer or more meaningful. The law is quite clear in this respect. Some landlords have been offering sub-standard accommodation and they should not be doing so, but it is not necessary to reinforce the provisions in this legislation.