Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

526. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to expand the remit of the Property Services Regulatory Authority to encompass rent prices across the country through the PRTB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36239/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the provisions of the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011, the Property Services Regulatory Authority does not have any responsibilities in relation to rent prices in the private residential rented sector. In relation to that sector, the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), which comes under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, is responsible for maintaining a national register of tenancies and the provision of mechanisms to resolve tenancy disputes in a timely, cost-effective and equitable manner.

I understand that in May 2013 the PRTB launched its national rent index which provides quarterly information on average rent prices in the private residential sector based on location and property variables. The Residential Tenancies Act 2004, under which the PRTB is established, specifically provides that the setting of rent above market rent is prohibited. I have no plans to extend the remit of the Property Services Regulatory Authority to encompass rent prices in the private residential rented sector.