Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Oct 1945

Vol. 98 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ground Rents.

asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that many ground landlords have secured increased ground rents since the commencement of the emergency and that ground rents are being created arising out of speculation in house property; and, if so, if he will take immediate steps to stabilise ground rents at their existing figures until such time as he is prepared to introduce legislation giving power to those concerned to purchase ground rents on fair terms.

Mr. Boland

I am not aware of any recent developments which call for a revision of the law relating to ground rents.

The position in this matter is regulated by the Landlord and Tenant Acts, 1931 to 1943. Under these Acts, on the termination of a lease under which a ground rent had been reserved, the lessor, who was formerly entitled to take complete possession of the property, is obliged to grant a new lease, the terms of which, in default of agreement between the parties, are settled by the court, within the limits prescribed by the Acts.

The suggestions contained in the question, and other suggestions of a similar kind, have been carefully considered by the Government and it has been decided not to promote legislation in the matter.

If it is, as it undoubtedly is, the intention of the Minister and of the members of the Government to help to keep down the cost of living, will he say why it is that he is prepared to allow ground landlords to double and treble their ground rents? That surely is a matter that has some effect on the cost of living of the people concerned.

Mr. Boland

I would remind the Deputy that there is a motion on the Order Paper dealing with this matter. In view of that, we will be able to go into this matter more fully than I could do now when the motion comes up for discussion. Perhaps we had better wait to debate the matter until the motion comes forward.

Top
Share