Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, with reference to Parliamentary Question No. 140 of 27 November 2008 and his reply that any rental properties being let for the first time after 1 February 2009 will have to comply with all the requirements of the new regulations, he will explain the way compliance will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44542/08]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Responsibility for enforcing the regulations with regard to minimum standards for rental accommodation rests with the relevant local authority. My Department provides significant resources, from part of the proceeds of tenancy registration fees collected by the Private Residential Tenancies Board, to assist local authorities in discharging their functions under the Housing Acts in relation to rented accommodation. Over €3m was provided in 2007 and a further €4m has been earmarked for this purpose for 2008.

It is a matter for each individual local authority to decide the specific details of its enforcement strategy, inspection arrangements and methods for establishing compliance. However, in discharging their responsibilities in relation to the rental sector, authorities have been asked to have regard to the Good Practice Guidelines for Local Authorities on Standards in the Private Rented Sector: Strategic Planning, Effective Enforcement published by the Centre for Housing Research in November 2007, which makes a range of recommendations on relevant issues. A comprehensive Guidance Document will also be published in advance of the 1 February 2009 commencement date in order to assist local authorities in the practical implementation of the new regulations.