Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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344. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51559/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The correspondence in the details supplied by the Deputy deals with a range of issues in relation to the operation of the private rental sector.

In general, the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 regulate the landlord-tenant relationship in the residential rental sector and set out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Acts to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants.

The Government recognises and appreciates the key role of landlords in providing much needed accommodation. Landlords are essential to a fully functioning residential property market. The Government is committed to supporting the continued participation of landlords and growing their investment in the rental market. It has also been necessary in recent and uncertain times to strengthen tenancy protections for tenants including for reasons of supply and affordability in the sector.

In term of assisting landlords, it should be noted that the Minister for Finance announced in Budget 2023 that he would double the amount of tax deductible pre-letting expenses to €10,000 in respect of properties vacant for at least 6 months (currently, a vacancy for at least 12 months is required to avail of this measure). The Department will continue to liaise with the Department of Finance in relation to financial measures to assist landlords.

The operation of the rental market and the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 are kept under constant review.