Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I will be very brief because we discussed this issue on Second Stage. It is important that we tackle the issue of landlords who are not doing their duties. I cannot comprehend why we do not have PPS numbers for landlords. The PRTB which does a very good job has a waiting list when one tries to meet it.

Senator Fitzgerald referred to access to housing. It is important that those who avail of the scheme are living in conditions that are fit for human habitation and that the landlord is accountable. We must remember that many landlords are very good, comply with all of the regulations, maintain their properties and look after their tenants. Some, however, are at the bottom of the barrel regarding the fulfilment of obligations. They are flying away scot-free, pay no tax, get their money, do not maintain their properties, increase the rent and change the conditions of the tenancies.

Directly behind my office on Glasheen Road in Cork is the premises of an absentee landlord who has no respect for the law, Departments or the enforcement powers of Cork City Council, yet he was able to obtain a tenant through the HSE. This is crazy. I accept the Minister's bona fides regarding this matter, but the time for reviews is over. Senator Fitzgerald is correct; we are spending vast sums of money and require not only a review but also root and branch reform.