Threshold is running a campaign for a statutory deposit protection scheme. Such schemes protect renters and have been shown in other countries to work quite well in protecting renters and their deposits. Such schemes are also promised under the programme for Government. The obvious home for such a scheme would be the Residential Tenancies Board. However, anyone who has dealt with it will have experienced delays and frustration in doing so. I am sure it would claim it does not have the resources to deliver this. When will we see the legislation for a deposit protection scheme, as promised under the programme for Government? Will we be resourcing the Residential Tenancies Board to properly protect tenants?

The Minister has already introduced legislation to protect tenants on a range of fronts not least students in terms of upfront deposits covering rent and he has put limitations on that. I will revert to the Deputy on the timelines of any further protections that are on the way.