Coveney’s response to exploitative landlords – woefully inadequate

PBP TD slams Coveney for totally disgraceful and inadequate response to serious breaches of overcrowding and conditions in rental properties by landlords

Housing minister and Taosieach candidate effectively shrugs his shoulders at serious exploitation

People Before Profit TD, Bríd Smith, has slammed the response of the Minister for Housing, Simon Coveney, to a question she asked in the Dáil regarding a number of incidents where homelessness people and vulnerable tenants have been grossly exploited by landlords.

Ms Smith asked if the Minister would be bringing in legislation to prevent this exploitation by private landlords of homeless people and vulnerable tenants.

Ms Smith made particular reference to the case of mass overcrowding at a house in South Dublin where 70 tenants were being given bunk beds for €200 per month in a five bedroom house at The Pines, Lehaunstown, Cabinteely; overcrowding in three houses in North Dublin where there was a fire yesterday evening; and the development, today, of exploitation by the owner of an internet café on Talbot Street who charged homeless people to sleep on the floor and on chairs.

The Minister’s response was totally inadequate and he did not address the issues outlined by Deputy Smith.

Bríd Smith said: “I asked the Minister for housing if he would take action and introduce legislation to prevent the exploitation of homeless people and vulnerable tenants. The response I got was a total fudge where the minister spouted off PR lines about his Rebuilding Ireland plan.

“The minister did not answer my question which leaves me to believe that the Minister has no plan to introduce legislation to protect homeless people and tenants for exploitation by landlords. He mentioned increased inspections by local authorities. But as far I am aware that would not include private landlords where this problem is based.

“It is extremely worrying that the Minister with responsibility for housing, the housing crisis and protecting tenants and the homeless, and potentially the next Taoiseach, effectively shrugs his shoulders over these extremely serious issues.”

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Contact- Bríd Smith – 087 909 0166

Nick Lee (Press Officer)- 087 615 6473