asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that because of the leniency shown by the courts to landlords it is frequently cheaper to pay the fine imposed rather than carry out badly needed repairs to houses; and whether he will in the light of this consider and amend the relevant legislation to provide that the Corporation can ensure that much needed repairs are carried out by private landlords by order of the court, if necessary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Repairs to Houses.
32.
I have no precise information which would enable me to comment on the first part of the Deputy's question. In regard to the second part, I do intend, as indicated in the recent White Paper on Housing, to strengthen the powers of local authorities regarding the repair of unfit houses.
Is there any action the Minister can take in the meantime, or is there any action he could recommend should be taken where the local authorities' attempts to try to improve houses through the courts are held in complete contempt, apparently, by landlords, and as a result of which so much has happened in Dublin and so many houses in Dublin are rotten? It is happening all the time.
I am afraid as far as the courts are concerned there is no action open to them to take.
Can the Minister say when he proposes to introduce the legislation?
It will probably be introduced before Christmas but it will be after Christmas before it will be discussed or passed.