In regard to the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 and the Government's promise to introduce a deposit protection scheme, which has a great deal to recommend it in terms of assisting in disputes between tenants and landlords and would save the State a substantial amount of money in rent supplement, in July 2013 the then Minister of State with responsibility for housing said that she would bring forward substantial amendments on Committee Stage in the Seanad to address the issue of deposit protection. Some 20 months later, there is still no sign of this happening. What is the reason for the delay in progressing this Bill, and will the Taoiseach give a commitment to prioritise the promise by the Government to introduce a deposit protection scheme?

As I understand it, the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 is at Committee Stage in the Seanad.

For the past 20 months.

I will find out from the Seanad Office what is happening in that regard. The Bill was dealt with in this House and was then sent to the Seanad. I do not know the reason for the delay in the Seanad but I will find out and communicate on the matter with the Deputy, at which time I will also update her on the deposit protection scheme.

I thank the Taoiseach.