Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

61. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if a deposit protection scheme could be established to protect renters from having their deposits unlawfully withheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42667/24]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015 provided for the development of a deposit protection scheme to be operated by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). However, significant changes have taken place in the rental market since this legislation was passed. It should be noted that, unlike many other jurisdictions examined, Ireland already has a well-established quasi-judicial dispute resolution process in place where the RTB offers a dispute resolution process to landlords and tenants and any deposit protection scheme will continue to require access to such a resolution process.

The Housing for All Action Plan Update published in November 2022, included an action to examine the creation of a system of holding rental deposits, informed by best international experience. The primary aim of this examination is to provide an international comparison of different models of deposit protection, with a view to drawing lessons prior to the possible implementation of a deposit protection scheme in Ireland.

The Housing Agency has completed an examination in line with the Housing for All action and Minister O'Brien is presently considering its contents and the options the Agency has outlined. It is important that any new measures introduced in the rental sector are done so in a fair, measured and balanced manner.