asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state whether any proposal has reached his Department from the county manager, on behalf of Tullamore [1029] Urban District Council, requesting sanction for increasing the rents of the houses of certain tenants of O'Molloy Street, Tullamore; if he will state the reasons for the proposals to increase the rents payable by these people; and if he will refuse to sanction any increases as the tenants are unable to meet any increase at all owing to high cost of living and their economic conditions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rents of Tullamore Houses.
I have not received any proposal from the Offaly county manager to increase the rents of certain houses in O'Molloy Street, Tullamore. I understand, however, that, following an increase in the rates in the urban district, the rents have been increased in accordance with the Local Government (Rates on Small Dwellings) Act, 1928. Such an increase is statutory and sanction is not required.
In view of the circumstances of the tenants residing in houses belonging to Tullamore Urban District Council, is it not possible for the Minister to intervene in this matter since these people find it impossible to pay the increased rents?
It is quite impossible for the Minister to intervene. There is a statutory obligation on the local authority to change the rents in accordance with any change in the rates. In this case the rents will be increased by 7d. per week. I might mention that the rents of 144 houses were 3/- per week and of two houses 2/6 per week.
Does the Minister not consider that at the present time an increase of 7d. weekly in the rents of working-class houses is an increase that they will be unable to pay and, in view of that, will he make representations to the urban district council not to impose the increase?
The Deputy may ask a question on a matter in which the Minister has authority. The Minister stated that he has no power in this matter, so it does not arise.
Except the power to increase the rates.
Next question.
I will raise it on the Adjournment.
The Deputy can raise the roof if he likes.
It is important for my constituents.
The most important matter for the constituency is what the Government has done for the town of Tullamore.
The Government at present is taking no steps to relieve the people in Tullamore of the increased rents.