Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Many of these individuals never intended to be landlords landlord, and the find themselves in difficult circumstances at present. This can be seen throughout the country. I agree with Senator McDowell on that and on the point he made that they are not encouraged to remain within the framework of what they can really do.

The review of which I spoke is already under way and will be progressed as early as possible. Any change to the Residential Tenancies Act will require careful consideration, taking into account the constitutionality of protected property rights of landlords. As stated, the Department engages with all relevant stakeholders, including the Attorney General, the RTB and landlord and tenant representative bodies, to ensure that any proposed legislative changes are made in a careful, fair, measured and balanced manner. However, the Senator should rest assured that I will take his views on the matter back to the Minister. There is grave concern across Government about the number of landlords exiting the market.