Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I recognise the part being played by the private landlord in providing accommodation at a time when little social housing is being built in any part of the country. I wish to highlight one experience of my own. Some two years ago, I visited a family in a three-storey premises in Dundalk. They lived at the top but the bathroom was at the bottom. Senator Keane referred to poor accommodation as well. The family of three included a husband and wife living on the top floor, where it was possible to see the sky. They had to move the mattress when it rained at night. Thankfully they have been accommodated by Dundalk Town Council in a new home. However, I wish to alert the Minister of State to the fact that there are bogus landlords who do not meet any standards or regulations. In some cases they will not rent accommodation to someone entitled to a rent supplement. One of the questions possible tenants are asked is whether they will be applying for rent supplement. Dreadful accommodation is still available and if it is in one town it is in all towns.

Someone referred to anti-social behaviour. Houses are being rented out by landlords in private estates on a weekly or weekend basis. They are being used to accommodate ten or 12 people. They are taken up by boys and girls who come to a three-bedroom home for the weekend, for example, and pay ¤1,000. Can we stipulate to landlords who meet the standards that there should be a limit on the number of people who can be accommodated in a two-bedroom, three-bedroom or four-bedroom home? In some cases, ten, 12 or perhaps more are living in houses for the weekend and engaging in anti-social behaviour which is impacting on residents nearby. Such people are in town for a hen or stag party. Can we limit the number of people and state that landlords should not accommodate hen parties for a weekend? Is it possible to legalise that? I am particularly concerned about this issue because I come from the tourist town of Carlingford where such anti-social behaviour is occurring every weekend. What responsibility rests with a landlord to ensure that anti-social behaviour does not take place in the house he or she is renting out for the weekend or the week? I commend the Minister of State on the work she is doing. Coimeád ag obair.