Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House. All Senators have received similar emails and telephone calls to those outlined by Senator Norris. Will the Minister lay out clearly, at the earliest possible stage, the implications of these particular provisions in the Bill? There is confusion about what he is seeking to do. I accept that his aim in this legislation is to improve the standard of rental accommodation throughout the country, which is the driver of this particular section. However, speaking to landlords about it, there is clearly some confusion. Shortly after the legislation goes through, it would be useful if the Minister were to produce an information booklet which sets out in an understandable way the implications for landlords. This would be especially useful for accidental landlords and those with only one rental unit to cover their pension. I realise it is not the Minister's intention to drive such people out of the market, but there is an issue regarding the clarity and readability of the Bill. The original legislation has been amended several times over a decade and when one tries to read it in its entirety, it is difficult for Members and advisers to follow, never mind for an individual who might only have one property for rent and who wants to obey the law.It is no longer clear, if one takes the Bill in its entirety. Sometimes we need to do that.

I will not be supporting the amendments, as outlined, but I ask the Minister to consider issuing some manner of a clarification document on the exact implications of the Bill for those I call single-property or accidental landlords.