James Bannon (Fine Gael)

The provisions of my amendments are not spelt out in the Bill. The purpose of the amendments is to grant specific responsibilities to the board, but the Minister of State's remarks undermine the functions of the board. It is important that the Bill should specify the functions of the board in terms of monitoring the price and quality of accommodation as this objective represents the thrust of the Bill. These amendments represent an addition that should be acceptable to the Minister of State. They would strengthen the Bill from the perspective of both landlord and tenant. The onus would be placed on the landlord to ensure that no substandard accommodation is let to people, including students.

The inspection of student accommodation has always been neglected. A small number of landlords let accommodation in any condition to people, particularly students and asylum seekers. One only has to travel to a few rural towns to sample the quality of accommodation that is let. It is important that the board's functions are spelled out.