Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their contributions on this important Bill which represents another important step in the development of the residential landlord-tenant regulatory environment. We all agree a well-balanced housing sector requires a strong, vibrant and well-regulated rented sector. This Bill represents a significant further evolutionary step in the development of the rented sector and will ensure the continued emergence of that sector as an integral part of our housing policy for the future.

This Bill achieves several key goals in that regard. The extension of the Residential Tenancies Act to approved housing bodies is a crucial step in the development of a wider regulatory framework for the approved housing body sector. This will bring greater transparency and accountability to this important sector which is playing an increasingly active role in social housing provision. The Bill will also provide for additional operational efficiencies by the PRTB in the delivery of its functions. One of the key amendments which I introduced on Committee Stage deals with the issue of over-holding and gives the PRTB the power to deal quickly and effectively with tenants who do not pay their rent.

The Government’s amendments on Committee Stage also provided for the establishment of a deposit protection scheme, a programme for Government commitment. This is an important step in further professionalising the operation of the rented sector. The illegal retention of tenant deposits by just a minority of landlords poses a significant risk of homelessness for vulnerable families. The scheme will operate on the basis of a custodial deposit scheme and the PRTB will be charged with operating the scheme.

In addition, we have introduced amendments on Committee Stage to address the issue of spiralling rents. The rapid increase in rents seen in recent years is being caused by a mismatch between levels of supply and demand for rental accommodation where it is needed. We are addressing the supply problem but it will be some time before that supply comes on stream and the amendments introduced in this Bill will go some way to addressing the problem in the short term.

I acknowledge the work of my Department’s officials who worked tirelessly on this substantial and comprehensive Bill. I also want to acknowledge the role of all of the relevant agencies, non-governmental organisations, local authority officials, academics and others who have contributed to this important legislation. All share the objective of attaining secure, affordable and sustainable tenancies for citizens. There is no doubt we need a normalised, functioning property market. Increasing supply is fundamentally what we need to ensure a robust and good landlord-tenant relationship, as well as normalised and sustainable property sector.

I acknowledge the role of the PRTB which already has contributed enormously to ensuring a robust and good landlord-tenant relationship. Its role is now enhanced with a greater involvement in ensuring this relationship is fair and balanced. I acknowledge Dublin City Council officials, as well as those in other local authorities, who have had to deal with acute problems with homelessness. I commend them for the manner in which they have responded to this challenge. All those involved, including Ministers, policymakers, officials and those working at the coalface, must work together and do all in their power to ensure we sustain tenancies until we have an adequate supply to meet the demands for those who need homes.

I again thank Members for their contributions on this important legislation and for the interesting and informative debate we have enjoyed during the passage of the Bill through this House.I also look forward to the passage of this substantial Bill which will make a significant difference in terms of ensuring tenancies are sustained, reducing the pressures on families facing homelessness and ensuring sustainable tenancies into the future. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his co-operation.