asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state, in respect of the North Strand bombed area, to whom bombed-out tenants should apply for reinstatement in their former homes, and if he will take steps to ensure that rents will not be increased.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Strand Tenants.
The Corporation of Dublin in pursuance of Section 20 of the Neutrality (War Damage to Property) Act, 1941, have made preliminary orders for the acquisition of portion of the damaged area at the North Strand in connection with the planning scheme proposed for the city. Appeals have been made to me against these preliminary orders and before coming to a decision thereon I directed a public inquiry to be held in relation thereto. Until I am in a position to come to a decision on the appeals after consideration of the evidence at the inquiry I cannot express any view as regards the re-tenancy of houses in that area.
As regards the re-tenancy of houses outside the area proposed to be acquired by the corporation which have been rendered habitable by the execution of repairs, the matter is one for the landlord and the tenant concerned in the first instance. If there is any disposition on the part of landlords not to permit the former tenants to re-occupy the houses, or to seek increased rents as a condition of reoccupancy, the matter will come more within the scope of the Department of Justice than the Department of Local Government. This aspect of the position is not being overlooked.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say when it is proposed that the inquiry will be held?
The inquiry has been held and the report is being considered. Appeals have been made against the preliminary orders. The inquiry has been held.
Is an inquiry being held into the appeals?
The inquiry has been held but the Minister has yet to adjudicate.