asked the Minister for Justice whether, in view of the policy of ground landlords in raising ground rents, on the expiration of a lease, by amounts ranging from 50 to 250 per cent., he will introduce proposals for legislation for the purpose of safeguarding the interests of leaseholders and securing them against exploitation by absentee landlords.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increase of Ground Rents.
Mr. Corish
Mr. Boland
Under Part V of the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1931, the maximum rent which can be charged on a new lease is one-quarter of the gross rent. The figure so arrived at may represent twice or three times the old rent, or even more, but it must be remembered that in the great majority of cases the old rents were fixed a long time ago, some of them in the middle and earlier years of the last century, on the basis of the purchasing power of money at that time. If, however, the Deputy gives me particulars of any cases within his knowledge in which he considers that there has been exploitation of the leaseholder, I shall have them examined.
Is the Minister not aware that he himself promised to introduce an amending Bill dealing with this question?
Mr. Boland
I am not so aware. As a matter of fact, we had a debate on the subject and I said I was not prepared to do it. The Deputy should throw his mind back to that.
Does the Minister not recollect that he promised to introduce a Bill to amend the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1931?
Mr. Boland
Yes, the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1931.
Is not that dealing with the problem?
Mr. Boland
In so far as they come in there, that is so, but I understood it is the question of ground rents alone that is dealt with here.
Do not touch the ground rents, of course.
Mr. Boland
Deputy Davin got a full answer and if he wants a further one let him put down another question.