Brendan Ryan, Labour Party T.D. for Dublin North, has called for stronger legislation to be introduced to protect tenants in private rental accommodation.

Speaking in the Dáil oon the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2012, Deputy Ryan said that whilst the Amendment Bill was a step in the right direction more was needed.

He said: "I welcome the content of the Bill which is designed to speed up the resolutions process with the Private Rental Tenancies Board. The current delays in resolving claims for tenants are far too long and needs to be tackled. At the moment it is taking up to eight months for some tenants to resolve their claims.

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"Most tenants' claims are to do with a dispute with the landlord and the withholding of a tenants deposit. There is nothing in this Bill to tackle that on-going issue and this is why I feel that further legislation in this area is required. I welcome the fact that Minister of State Jan O'Sullivan has made commitments to bringing further legislation in this area and I believe that this should be done without delay.

"Private rental arrangements have turned into long term living arrangements and as such we need a comprehensive suite of legislation to protect people, and ensure they have security in their homes."

(CD)