Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Bill. It is a small but important body of legislation which will ensure there is a uniform approach to rents nationally. Everybody will welcome this. The debate provides Members with an opportunity to make contributions on the general issue of housing and housing supports for individuals who cannot afford to provide their own homes. It has been mentioned that there are 100,000 people on local authority housing waiting lists. My experience has been that many of the people concerned are happy with the accommodation they have under the rental accommodation and other rent assistance schemes. They are not homeless and their accommodation is being provided or supported, which is an important point to make.

The Minister of State spoke about her hope of again introducing a tenant purchase scheme, which is welcome. While it is good to encourage individuals to own their homes, there is a danger that the stock of local authority housing can be run down. This was particularly an issue in Cork following the introduction of the previous tenant purchase scheme. Tenant purchase is well and good at a time when local authorities or the Government are building housing, but when the stock is not being replenished, issues can arise. On the whole, I encourage home ownership, where possible. It is important for individuals as a contribution to their community and in the sense that it allows them to manage their own properties.

I welcome and support the rental accommodation scheme. I speak regularly of this worthwhile scheme. It has improved the quality of rental accommodation because of the level of supervision by local authorities. It has also provided certainty to individuals to seek employment and to move on from needing housing support. It is also of benefit to landlords with properties to offer because there is certainty in the relationship over a number of years. It is a win-win situation and while it was slow to start it is doing very well now. Local authorities are responding well to it.

I wish local authorities would engage more with landlords in sourcing accommodation because my experience is that they leave it to individuals to source accommodation and make a proposal. If landlords approached the local authorities, it might be better for tenants. It is a positive scheme, particularly for single people. I found that, particularly in Cork, apartments can be utilised for individuals in single person households. In the past, it was very difficult for single people to find accommodation. I urge the Minister of State to encourage local authorities and work on this and ensure it is developed and progressed. I welcome the Bill and the fact that it will give councils an opportunity to be involved in the rent setting mechanism, which is important. Individuals or households will pay rent on the basis of income, which is welcome.