Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is great to hear that more than 240 cases are to be confirmed but only 29 have been confirmed thus far. The monetary amounts may be large, but that only raises the alarm in terms of the money that has been potentially wrongfully taken from tenants. If that monetary amount is attached to only 29 cases, there is a really serious concern. It is good to hear that there are 250 cases in the pipeline. That is a positive story. Why not have those figures publicly available? With respect, as an Oireachtas Member I may have access to the aforementioned channel, but this is about the public. The public should not have to go through Oireachtas Members to find out this information. It is public information and it should be publicly available. It should be publicly published and in that way it can be used. We all seek to help people, but we do not want a type of clientelist relationship around how you access this or that information.

If there is an increase in administrative sanction that is a positive story, in particular if there is potential for a tenfold increase next year. Why not publish this information? Why not provide it by way of an annual report? Is it not a good story to tell? It has the added benefit of sending that signal that the State is taking these issues seriously. I know the Minister of State cannot accept the amendment, but I would encourage him to consider an annual report in regard to enforcement and its publication. That could be positive. It could have a number of positive consequences and help restore confidence in those who may well not wish to challenge a landlord unless they see what is happening, and they may well not reach out to any Member of the Oireachtas. I propose to press this amendment as I believe it is useful, constructive amendment.