asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that doubt exists among certain urban councils and town commissioners as to powers to dispose of houses owned by them to the tenants of these houses; and, if so, whether he will make a statement on the matter indicating whether he intends to introduce proposals for legislation to clarify the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Local Authority Houses.
I am not so aware. Quite a number of sale schemes have been carried out by urban housing authorities over the past 30 years. As recently as last July a circular letter was issued to all urban housing authorities outlining for their guidance standard minimum terms and conditions which might be observed in formulating further sale schemes. The question of introducing proposals for legislation in the matter does not arise.
Would the Minister say, in connection with the circular which has already been issued, if it is within the power of a county manager or the local authorities concerned to vary what was then suggested as a standard purchase scheme?
I am not objecting to the supplementary question but it is a different type of question. The circular letter laid down minimum standards.
Would the Minister say whether those standards may be varied downwards or are those immutable standards so far as the Department is concerned?
We thought at the time that they were very fair and reasonable and they were designed in that way so as to give the greatest possible encouragement to local bodies and to tenants to purchase.
We can take it, therefore, that they are standard?
I do not see why the Deputy should not.