Written answers

Wednesday, 8 November 2006

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Local Authority Housing

9:00 pm

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the fact that according to his Department's statistics, many local authorities do not inspect housing units used in the rental accommodation scheme as they do not have the funds to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36676/06]

Photo of Noel AhernNoel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Local authorities undertake inspections of private rental accommodation for a number of purposes including the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS).

Under RAS local authorities are providing good quality accommodation for recipients of rent supplement assessed as having long term housing need. In assessing potential RAS properties, local authority costs are allowed as a charge against the administrative costs of the scheme.

Increased funding is also being provided to local authorities from the proceeds of tenancy registration fees for enforcement of the regulations relating to private rented accommodation, including inspections. €1.6m was allocated in 2005 for this purpose and it is intended that funding will be increased further to around €2m per annum for 2006 and 2007. Interim payments for 2006 totalling some €1m have already been made through the PRTB.

It is a matter for individual authorities to determine how best to deploy their resources for the inspection of private rented accommodation and for which there is adequate funding available from a variety of sources.

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