Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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643. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to introduce regulations to provide for a deposit retention scheme under section 61 of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015; the timeline for same; if not, the reason therefor; the measures he is taking to strengthen tenants’ rights in respect of deposits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42203/19]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015 provides for, among other things, the establishment of a tenancy deposit protection scheme to be operated by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).

There have been significant changes in the rental market since the 2015 scheme was first envisaged and designed. For example, the draft scheme was originally intended to be financed by the interest payable on deposits lodged; this is no longer viable, given the current financial market conditions. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that disputes relating to deposits are no longer the most common dispute type referred to the RTB.

Financing the operation of the scheme is an important consideration, particularly in terms of ensuring that the likely outcomes of a new scheme are achieved efficiently and effectively and that the best value from public funds is secured. Careful consideration is therefore required to introduce any necessary reforms and enhancements to the 2015 scheme, with a view to considering whether and how to introduce a re-designed scheme that is fit for purpose and suitable for current and future rental and financial markets. 

 A review of the feasibility of amending  and implementing the 2015 tenancy deposit protection scheme is being considered, in consultation with the RTB.

The outcome of any review, along with consideration of other deposit related issues, will be taken into account in the preparation of the forthcoming Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill.