New laws could see landlords face criminal charges if they’re caught asking potential tenants for sex in return for accommodation.
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien told the Dáil that he is discussing legislation to tackle the issue with Justice Minister Helen McEntee and they are considering advice from the Attorney General.
He said: “It is completely and utterly unacceptable behaviour and it is where people attempt to prey on the vulnerability of others seeking accommodation and all possible avenues in addressing this will be considered.
“It needs to be condemned and we need to do everything that we can to make sure it is stamped out.
“We are totally committed to preventing sexual abuse and gender based violence in all of its forms.
“Both my department and the Department of Justice are actually working together to bring options forward to myself and Minister McEntee about how we would legislate for it.
“It includes assessing whether changes may be required to residential tenancies legislation or indeed through the introduction of criminal charges but it may actually be both – so maybe a Justice bill and amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act.
“Minister McEntee and I have asked our officials to prioritise this piece of work.
“I know if we require legislation, which we will, I will be seeking the cooperation of the house to make sure that any additional changes or amendments to current legislation or new legislation will be brought forward and will be passed in an expeditious manner.”
Recent reports have exposed some landlords offering rent at a reduced price if the potential tenant agreed to engage in sexual activity.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said recently that sex-for-rent is currently not an offence in Ireland.
Social Democrats TD and the party’s housing spokesman Cian O’Callaghan asked Minister O’Brien for a timeline on the potential legislation.
Mr O’Callaghan told the Dáil that some of the stories from women who have been asked for sex in exchange for a room were “absolutely heartbreaking.”
He said he personally would not be able to read the stories out in the Dáil.
Minister O’Brien said he intends to have an update before the end of March on the matter.
Mr O’Callaghan also called for a landlord to be struck off and shouldn’t be allowed to register with the Residential Tenancies Board if they are found to have offered sex-for-rent.
“I know it needs to be done the correct way, but it needs to be done with urgency as well,” he added.
Minister O’Brien said it was “a complex area” and all elements need to be examined.
