John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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596. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to bring the Residential Tenancies (Amendment)(No. 2) Bill 2012 before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and the envisaged timeframe for its implementation to provide, inter alia, for the inclusion of the approved housing body sector within the remit of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. [18545/15]

Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 regulates the landlord-tenant relationship in the sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants including in relation to rent, security of tenure and the termination of tenancies. The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Act to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment)(No. 2) Bill 2012 is currently before the Oireachtas and will amend the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to provide, inter alia, for the inclusion of the Approved Housing Body (AHB) sector within the remit of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.

The Bill has passed all stages in the Dáil, together with second stage in the Seanad. The Bill will return to the Seanad for Committee Stage in the coming weeks with provision for a deposit protection scheme foremost among the amendments. Following enactment, the provisions of the Bill relating to the AHB sector will be commenced as soon as practicable, having regard to the administrative requirements of the PRTB.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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597. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to bring forward amending legislation to the position of mayor of Limerick city and county in view of the fact that there are now two offices in County Limerick with the title mayor of Limerick; and if he will provide details of the representations he has received from Limerick City and County Council in respect of this. [18546/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I have received no representations in relation to this issue which is a matter reserved to elected members for decision in accordance with the provisions of sections 31 and 32 and Schedule 8 to the Local Government Act 2001, as amended by the Local Government Reform Act 2014. Section 32(1A) of the 2001 Act provides that where, prior to 1 June 2014, Limerick City Council used the title of “Mayor” or “Deputy Mayor”, then the metropolitan district of Limerick may continue to use those titles.

Alternatively, members may decide, by resolution, to use the title of Cathaoirleach or Leas-Chathaoirleach. In the case of Limerick City and County Council, members may, by resolution, give the alternative titles of “Mayor” or “Deputy Mayor” to the office of Cathaoirleach and Leas-Chathaoirleach, respectively, or revert to the latter titles, under section 32(4) of the 2001 Act, as amended by the 2014 Act.

While 2015 will be the first full year of the operation of changes in the local government system including those modifications relevant to civic aspects, it is essential to ensure that the new system is being operated effectively and as intended and I have initiated a review in relation to the operation of the new arrangements, to be undertaken by a broadly-based Local Government Advisory Group and a Forum for engagement with the Association of Irish Local Government.

The advice, views and proposals resulting from this process will provide a sound evidence base upon which to consider any adjustments, legal or otherwise, that may be warranted.