asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that on the death of a tenant of a Cork Corporation house and on the signing of a new contract of tenancy by a surviving member of deceased's family not being the widow or widower of the deceased, the rent is usually advanced considerably, thus causing considerable hardship; and, if so, whether he will introduce proposals for legislation to provide that the same conditions of tenancy will prevail on the succession to the tenancy of any member of the family of the deceased tenant.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rent Increases.
New legislation would not be necessary to vary the existing method of fixing rents in the case of houses let on the differential rent system by the Cork Corporation. While the rent scale may be increased when a new letting takes place, the rent actually payable continues to be related to the family income of those occupying the house and has actually resulted in a reduction of the amount payable in a number of cases. I am not aware of any general dissatisfaction with the present practice.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, does the Minister appreciate that his answer is directed to the differential rent system mainly? There are, however, other types of houses where there are fixed rents and where no differential system operates and it is to these houses that I am directing the Minister's attention. In the case of these houses, the rent is usually increased on the death of the existing tenant. Will the Minister take steps to ensure that this practice will not prevail?
The Deputy opens a very wide field when he speaks of members of the deceased's family. Such members may possibly be sisters or brothers. That, of course, is a different question. In the case of the differential, the practice is to have no alteration if the house is left to the widow and no new tenancy is created. The Deputy's supplementary question raises a very wide field. I think it is primarily a matter for the corporation.
Could it not be arranged to make it apply to an immediate member of the family—say, a brother, sister, son or daughter—residing in the house at the time of the death of the original tenant?
I would like some concrete proposal. It would definitely have to be restricted, otherwise there might be a very wide range later on.
Will the Minister examine the position?
I shall do that.
When examining the situation in Cork, will the Minister also examine the situation existing in Dublin?
That is a different question.