asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state when the committee of inquiry set up to investigate the position of the tenants in Killester occupying houses belonging to the Irish Sailors' and Soldiers' Land Trust was set up; the terms of reference; the names of the members; the date when the committee reported; what action it is proposed to take arising out of the report, and whether it is intended to publish the report.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Position of Killester Tenants.
A committee was set up on the 6th March, 1940, with the following terms of reference:—
1. To examine the nature and extent of the difficulties which exist in relation to the property administered by the Sailors' and Soldiers' Land Trust, and to make recommendations as to the remedial action calculated to remove such difficulties as exist without imposing any charge on State funds.
2. In particular to make recommendations as to the following matters:—
(a) The most equitable manner of providing for the maintenance of the cottages and such public services as are common to several dwellings and the defraying of any local (or other) taxation in respect of the property.
(b) Whether it is desirable to establish a house purchase scheme to enable tenants of cottages to become the owners of the cottages and, if so, the terms, conditions and financial basis of any such scheme.
(c) Whether provision should be made for widows and dependents of tenants to continue in occupation of cottages and, if so, to what extent.
(d) The changes in the law that may be necessary to give effect to any recommendations upon the foregoing matters or that may be otherwise desirable.
The committee consisted of his honour Judge Shannon, Major-General W. B. Hickie, Mr. Thomas Johnson, Mr. T.C. O'Mahony and Senator David L. Robinson. The committee reported on the 9th May, 1940. The report is under consideration. No decision has been taken as regards its publication.
Is the Minister aware that recently a large number of writs has been issued for non-payment of rates in Dublin City? Is he also aware that no attempt has been made during the last number of years to enforce decrees given for rates? Will the Minister consider the inadvisability of proceeding in the matter of rates until some decision has been taken with regard to the committee's report?
I will look into these matters, but I think rates are outside that altogether.
I think under the terms of reference the Minister has read out, there was an inquiry into certain matters about local services and other local taxation, and I think the Minister will find that, in so far as the published reports of the evidence given before the committee go, rates formed a very large part of the evidence and discussion.
I will look into these matters.