Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I offer my sympathy to the families of those who tragically died in last night's fire. I do not say the accommodation was at fault, but it raises queries about the condition of rented accommodation throughout the country. Shortcuts are being taken because it is a landlord's market. I recently spoke to a young person who had visited an apartment she wanted to rent only to find that the windows had been taped to keep out the draught and that it was in an appalling condition. It is great for some to take shortcuts, but it puts the lives of others at risk. At a time when there is a shortage of accommodation, landlords, some of whom think their only role is to collect rent, have a role to ensure their accommodation is safe and that all regulations are complied with and to ensure nobody residing in it will be at risk at any time. It is time all local authorities and State agencies enforced the rules and regulations to make sure there is no deviation from them. It is important that this issue be highlighted and that we move on it.