Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1330. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the statutory definition of overcrowded housing in legislation; the statutory standards that can be used; the standards that are used for calculating the permitted number of persons for a dwelling; and the regulations that relate to statutory standards for overcrowding. [46450/17]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Section 63 of the 1966 Act refers specifically to the sleeping arrangements of persons in a dwelling and sets out a definition of overcrowding in accommodation for the purpose of the Housing Acts. Paragraph (a) of the definition states that a dwelling is deemed overcrowded when the sleeping arrangements are such that any two opposite-sex persons aged 10 or more who are not married must sleep in the same room. Paragraph (b) refers to the free air space in any room used for sleeping for any person not being less than 400 cubic feet.

In the context of reforms in relation to the rental sector, particular attention will be given to considering possible amendments to the provisions in relation to overcrowding. While the legal definition, although long established, is robust, we need to review and, if necessary, strengthen the enforcement actions and sanctions applicable to such situations.