Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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143. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if the local councils have the right to refuse tenants the right to put in gas meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19518/13]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966, the management and maintenance of the local authority housing stock, is the responsibility of the relevant housing authority. As owners of their social rented properties decisions in relation to the installation of fittings and equipment, including gas meters, are a matter for individual housing authorities.

Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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144. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if local councils have the authority to amend the tenants handbook and change terms and conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19519/13]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The management and maintenance of local authority dwellings is a matter for the authority concerned and one in which I have no function. The tenancy agreement is the legal basis for the relationship between the housing authority and its tenant and can be amended by agreement between the parties. Where a tenant’s consent is not forthcoming to an amendment considered necessary by an authority, it is a matter for the authority to determine how to proceed having regard to its powers under the Housing Acts and the tenancy agreement concerned.