Sinn Féin has raised concerns over the low level of participation in a consultation by The Department of Social Development (DSD) on the private rented sector in Northern Ireland.

Housing spokesperson Fra McCann said it is crucial as many tenants groups, community organisations, housing groups and individuals participate in the process.

Mr McCann said: "I raised the issue at the Social Development committee of the need to ensure that this process is wider than the usual voices who respond to these consultations.

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"This sector which has saturated many residential neighbourhoods has a poor reputation and we need people to participate in shaping legislation to deliver the type of change which is required for the protection of tenants.

"Sinn Féin have argued that robust legislation is needed to bring this sector, which is now the largest provider of socially rented accommodation in the North, into line with other housing providers such as the Housing Executive and housing associations and will continue to pursue equality and accountability for all tenants."

(CD/MH)