Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 492: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the housing related legislation expected to come before Dáil Éireann in 2010; if he will indicate a proposed schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3199/10]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Work is continuing in my Department on the review of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 to 2009 with a view to preparing legislative proposals that will streamline and simplify the Act and reduce delays. I will be aiming to have the General Scheme of the Bill prepared by Autumn 2010, with publication dependent on the time required thereafter for drafting by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.

I also propose to include in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009, by way of amendment at Committee Stage, provisions allowing existing purchasers under affordable housing or shared ownership arrangements to re-mortgage or top-up their mortgage without triggering the clawback. In addition, my Department is examining options to ensure that Part V can continue to operate effectively and flexibly, having regard to, inter alia, evolving housing market conditions and this may give rise to further amendments in the Planning Bill.

Developments in the housing area which cannot be anticipated at this stage may also necessitate a specific legislative response in the course of the year.