asked the Minister for Justice whether he has decided on the appointment of a commission to inquire into the exorbitant rents charged to the working-classes and unemployed for tenement rooms and cottages in the City of Dublin, and if, as a result of this inquiry, he will introduce proposals for legislation to remedy the evil.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral—Answers. - Rents of Working-class Houses.
asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware of the complaints which exist that occupiers of tenement houses in receipt of home assistance and unemployment assistance are obliged to pay exorbitant rents out of the meagre sums they receive from public funds, and whether he proposes to introduce proposals for legislation to provide against the payment of excessive rents in respect of slum property, out of public funds.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together.
I am at present engaged in discussing with my colleague, the Minister for Local Government and Public Health, the question whether the appointment of a commission such as is referred to by Deputy Byrne might be expected to produce any useful results. It is hoped that it may be possible to make a pronouncement in the matter at an early date.
Will the Minister say whether he has given any consideration to the report of the commission presided over by Mr. Justice Meredith, and if so are we to understand definitely that the report made by Mr. Justice Meredith has been turned down?
That is a separate question.