asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that under the present scheme for differential rents operated by the Dublin Corporation a tenant in receipt of home assistance at the rate of 55/-per week has to pay 7/6 per week rent, but that if he obtains 25/- per week domiciliary welfare allowance and 45/- per week home assistance his rent is increased by 2/6 per week; whether he is in favour of such a scheme; and, if not, if he will take steps to alter it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Corporation Differential Rents.
51.
The assessment to which the Deputy refers is in accordance with the differential rents scheme adopted by the Dublin Corporation and approved by me. The initiation of any proposal to alter the scheme would be a function of the corporation.
Then the Minister has no function whatsoever in this matter. Can he not suggest to the Corporation that grave hardships are being endured as a result of this scheme?
The Deputy will appreciate that the only thing I and my Department can do is to make representations if hardships are brought to our notice. We have no right to initiate any new departure from the existing scheme. The only function is, when a proposal is submitted by the local authority, the Minister gives his approval.