asked the Minister for Justice whether the Government have any plans to introduce a scheme analogous to the house purchase schemes under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts, which would enable householders to be given advances in order to purchase the ground rents of their houses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Ground Rents.
50.
The introduction of a scheme of financial assistance from State sources to enable lessees to acquire their freeholds is not envisaged at present.
Will the Minister not agree that, unless some scheme is introduced, it will be impossible for many people, particularly those in the SDA class, to purchase their freeholds?
I envisage in the proposed ground rents legislation before the House at present to have an upward ceiling on the purchase period which will enable most co-owners of residences to buy out their ground rents at a reasonable cost. This matter is more appropriate to discussion on that measure, which will be before the House very shortly.
Will the Minister not agree that, while he has some limitation on purchase, it would involve approximately £200 or £300 in many cases, and people making large repayments under the SDA scheme or repaying loans from building societies are not in a position to pay that type of money?
The Deputy is making a speech.
I am asking a question, Sir.
The Deputy is not.
Would the Minister not agree this legislation will be less than useless for many people?
No. I think we are going a very long way. We can have a very useful discussion on the Bill when it comes before the House.
51.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide in impending legislation on the purchase of ground rents, that residential business premises will also be covered in the Bill.
The recommendations of the Ground Rents Commission, which have been approved in principle by the Government, will be implemented in the Landlord and Tenant Bill, 1965. The Commission's recommendation that building and proprietary lessees should have a right to purchase the freehold applies to composite business and residential premises as well as to residential premises.
Is the Minister sure 1965 is the right year to put on it?
The First Stage has already come before the House.