asked the Minister for Justice if he will state what action he proposes taking in connection with the report of the tribunal which inquired into the relations between landlord and tenant.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Landlord and Tenant Tribunal.
I am not at present in a position to state what action it is proposed to take with reference to the reports of the Town Tenants (Occupation Tenancies) Tribunal as the Government has not yet had an opportunity of considering the reports. I may say, however, that it is intended to include the Rent Restriction Acts in the schedule to the Expiring Laws Bill which will shortly be introduced, thereby prolonging the operation of those Acts for a further year.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, pending a decision by the Government on the question of comprehensive action, would the Minister take some interim steps to put an end to the rack-renting of tenement rooms in this city, by going around the tenement houses, if need be, with a pot of paint, and marking the fair rent on the door? If he will come in here I believe he will get authority to fix the rent of every tenement room in this city, and not have people being asked 12/6 for a room which is worth 2/6 a week. That matter is urgent. Will the Minister consider taking any interim steps to deal with it?
Mr. Boland
I have to get the Government's consent to all that. I have not had an opportunity for consultation yet, and I cannot answer the question.
Is the Minister aware that those interested in this problem have now been waiting two years for something to be done——
Mr. Boland
I am aware.
——under conditions in which evilly-disposed persons are trying to take advantage of this tenant-rooms scandal in order to start rent strikes and riots in this city and that people are beginning to say that if there are no other means of getting a filthy scandal of this kind remedied the persons engaged on this kind of disgusting activity should be supported? Surely the Minister can do something to prevent the occupants of tenant rooms being robbed as they are at present being robbed?
Can the Minister give any indication as to when legislation on this subject will be introduced? He must realise that it is urgent and it is not a matter which can be postponed, particularly in circumstances when property owners are exploiting the tenants in the most shameless fashion.
Mr. Boland
I have to get the Government's consent to any legislation and they have not considered the report yet. I admit the report was delayed for a long time but we have had it only for a short time. The Government has not had an opportunity of studying it because they got it only a short time before Deputies received it.
Nobody wants the report to know the conditions that prevail at present.
Mr. Boland
I shall try to expedite the consideration of the report by the Government and see what can be done about interim action.
About interim action in regard to rents?
Is the Minister not aware that he has extensive powers already under the Emergency Powers Act to take action in this matter?
Was this matter not considered when Emergency Order No. 83 was under consideration?