asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the Soldiers' and Sailors' Land Trust have not yet informed the tenants of their houses in Ireland of the official conditions of sale and that, due to the prolonged discussions and delay in sanctioning the proposals of transfer to the occupiers, the houses have not been decorated or repaired, with consequent deterioration of the property; and, if so, if he will ask for a speeding-up of the transfer and state the conditions of sale and whether the Government will request the Trust to put the houses in good order and assist the tenants in obtaining money at reasonable terms to enable them to purchase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Soldiers' and Sailors' Land Trust.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the present position in respect of the proposals to dispose by sale to tenants of the houses erected by the Soldiers' and Sailors' Land Trust.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.
The publication of precise details in relation to the terms of sale of these cottages must await the enactment of the proposed legislation to be introduced in the British Parliament. I indicated the present position in regard to the preparation of legislation, in my reply to Deputy Séan Dunne's question of 31st January, 1952, on the subject.
Could the Minister say when it is likely that legislation in connection with this matter will be enacted by the British Government?
It has been circulated for our observations but I cannot say when it will be brought through the British Parliament. We have indicated to them our desire to have this matter completed as quickly as possible.
In view of the fact that legislation has reached that stage, would the Minister approach the Soldiers' and Sailors' Land Trust with a view to requesting them not to carry out any evictions or to put into operation any ejectment orders which they may have got in view of the fact that there is a possibility of bringing this highly contentious matter to a fairly satisfactory conclusion?
The Deputy is aware of course that the organisation to which he has referred is sympathetic along these lines and that they have been approached on many occasions with similar requests. They are faced however with the difficulty of their legal position and legal responsibility. To whatever extent I can do what the Deputy has requested I will do so.
I am aware of the Minister's difficulty and of the difficulty of the Trust, but unfortunately persons are receiving demands for possession because they do not fulfil the conditions under which they may remain tenants. Will the Minister use his good offices with the Trust in order to delay any proceedings in view of the possibility that the matter will be brought to a satisfactory conclusion at a relatively early date?
If there is anything I could do along that line I would be very pleased to do it.