The legislation covering overcrowding in the private rented sector is very weak and in serious need of an overhaul. Recent reports show that some landlords have up to 15 people living in some rooms. This is an indictment and shows a lack of proper scrutiny and oversight in this sector. It shows there are still huge gaps in our legislation. Will the Taoiseach, his Cabinet or his Minister outline whether the Government is examining this? People's lives are being put at risk daily and it is all as a result of greed.

Yes, we will bring forward legislation on overcrowding and other issues regarding the rental sector as part of our change management plan for the Residential Tenancies Board in the first half of next year.

Page 29 of the programme for Government promises to ensure that an appropriate balance is struck between the rights and interests of landlords and tenants. The amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, which were rushed through the House last December, introduced a loophole that, as the Taoiseach knows, allows landlords to issue notices to quit where they are undertaking substantial renovations. Threshold has expressed serious concern that this loophole is being abused and is being fraudulently used in as many as 12% of current cases of notice to quit. Is either the Taoiseach or the Minister considering reviewing this and bringing forward amendments to close this loophole to protect tenants?

As I announced in September, I will bring forward a definition. We are at the final phases of clarifying that at present to close that loophole. If that needs to be put on a legislative footing, we will do that as well.