asked the Minister for Justice if any consideration is being given within his Department or involving his Department with regard to the possibility of abolishing ground rents owned by the State, local authorities or other State bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - State Ground Rents.
40.
The Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Act, 1978, which I initiated prevents the creation of new ground rents on dwelling houses. In the same year I initiated the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act, 1978, which provides a low cost purchase scheme of existing ground rents on dwelling houses. In 1987 I initiated the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (Amendment) Act which extends indefinitely the operation of that purchase scheme.
The existing law, therefore, provides a ready means by which any person can free himself of a ground rent payable on his dwelling house. A considerable number of people have availed themselves of that opportunity.
Any proposals for further legislation on ground rents will be announced in the ordinary way in due course.