Tenants would get improved rights under proposed new legislation

The Government will publish legislation to improve the rights of tenants in the next few months in line with the recommendations…

The Government will publish legislation to improve the rights of tenants in the next few months in line with the recommendations of a major report, the Government Chief Whip, Ms Mary Hanafin said yesterday.

Once passed into law, the legislation will lead to the establishment of the Private Residential Tenancies Board and offer tenants security of tenure and provide 'greater clarity' for landlords.

The Housing (Private Rented Sector) Bill forms a key element of the Government's forthcoming legislative programme for the forthcoming Dáil session, which begins on Wednesday.

The Minister for the Environment will publish legislation to stop TDs from sitting on local councils well before Easter and it could be in force before summer, sources said last night.

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"Since the present Government took office on June 6th, 18 bills have been published and 12 bills have been already been enacted into law," Ms Hanafin said.|

The Proceeds of Corruption Bill sets up a new agency to seize the assets of people who have acquired, or increased their wealth through corruption will also be publishing soon.

Meanwhile, legislation offering improved greater protection for fixed-term contract workers and new laws regulating employment permit regulations for foreign workers will also be published.

The Department of Finance will publish legislation to amend the 1997 Freedom of Information Act in line with recommendations made to the Government last year.

Mark Hennessy

Mark Hennessy

Mark Hennessy is Ireland and Britain Editor with The Irish Times