Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2023
330. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to conduct modelling on the effect of the lifting of the eviction ban; and if this modelling will inform the development of contingency plans to mitigate the risk of increased pressure on homeless services. [15457/23]
View answerAs set out in the Housing for All Action Plan Update (published in November, 2022), my Department has commenced a comprehensive review of the private rental sector. This review will take into account the significant regulatory changes over the past several years in the residential rental market, and will report on how our housing system can be enhanced to provide an efficient, affordable, viable, safe and secure framework for both landlords and tenants.
This review will include a thematic review of the principal and relevant elements of the rental market to ensure that Ireland has a sector which meets the needs of tenants, both short-term and long-term, while providing a supportive environment for the maintenance of the existing stock and provision of new units. The review conclusions will draw on international practice. The review is underway and will conclude as early as possible, with the benefit of public consultation and targeted engagement with various stakeholders. My Department is engaging with the Departments of Finance; and Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in carrying out the review and implementing relevant recommendations.
This review will be essential in properly planning future policy for the residential rented sector including implementing measures to support both landlords and tenants.
My Department will be closely monitoring the impact of the ending of the ‘winter emergency period’ over the coming months together and will also be working closely with local authorities and homelessness agencies to alleviate any consequential pressures on homeless services. This will inform any future modeling exercises and will be considered in the context of the overall review.
The Government is committed to increasing housing supply generally, including rental accommodation, and to protect renters while retaining landlords in the system. Over the coming months, my Department and I will work with our partners in Government to put together a comprehensive new package of effective measures for both tenants and landlords.
