Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to update and amend the regulations on the standards of private rented accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13260/07]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Reform and development of the private rented sector is an important element of the Government's housing policy and we have undertaken a range of action to promote greater quality in various aspects of the sector, including accommodation standards. The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 provides a modern framework of landlord and tenant legislation. The Private Residential Tenancies Board was established to provide a range of services for the sector, including dispute resolution, registration and information. Following on a commitment in Towards 2016, I have launched a comprehensive Action Programme to promote further improvement in standards of private rented accommodation.

An important element of this Programme is the updating of the existing standards regulations in consultation with local authorities and other relevant interests. This work is progressing. Views on the updating of the regulations were invited from local authorities and relevant groups. To date a limited number of submissions on the matter has been received and these are being considered. Recommendations in relation to the regulations will also be provided by the Centre for Housing Research, which is carrying out a study of measures to promote improvement in private rented accommodation standards as part of the Action Programme. I hope to have draft revised regulations around the middle of this year.