Short-term lettings enforcement
Deputy Ó Broin called for stronger regulation and enforcement of short-term lettings, including a planning offence for platforms advertising non-compliant properties. The Taoiseach said he would examine the proposals on enforcement and advertising rules.
The programme for Government commits to: "Strengthen the regulatory and enforcement mechanisms with regard to short-term lettings." As I am sure the Taoiseach will know, the vast majority of short-term lets in the State are not compliant with the Government's regulations and the level of enforcement from local authorities is very low. Will he commit in the legislative programme to strengthening the regulations for short-term letting platforms and, in particular, to introducing a specific planning offence to fine platforms that advertise non-compliant properties?
On 6 July, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, introduced a blanket ban on the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme whereby nobody in receipt of the wage subsidy scheme can draw down the loan until three months afterwards, contrary to what the Taoiseach has just told the House.
Comment on this
I will examine the proposals the Deputy has put forward for short-term lettings and for strengthening enforcement and sections relating to the advertising of lettings that are not compliant with the regulations.