Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

Regarding Senator Coffey's concerns, it will not apply to transfers between housing authorities. Section 20 does not provide a housing authority with the power to charge rents, sell sites or dwellings, make tenancy agreements, etc. These powers are exercised by authorities under other housing Acts and, in the case of the charging of rents, section 31, when enacted. Sections 31 and 33 deal with rent arrears before eviction. Section 20 deals with situations after eviction for the non-payment of rent arrears. This is an important clarification.