asked the Minister for Local Government if he will arrange, where proper sanitary conditions or maintenance of repairs is neglected by landlords, for a reduction in the period of time now allowed to landlords for carrying out improvements, as many tenants suffer hardship and danger to health because of the dilatory application by landlords of court instructions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Repair of Houses.
16.
Mr. O'Leary
In making rulings as to either the works to be carried out or the time within which works are to be carried out, the courts will have regard to all the circumstances of a case, including such matters as danger to public health and hardship to the tenants. I do not consider it desirable that the discretion of the courts in these matters should be restricted.
Mr. O'Leary
Is the Minister aware that there are repairs required urgently on many old buildings, especially in the Mountjoy Square area and that these repairs are not being carried out? Is he further aware that the burden of proving that the repairs must be carried out is at present laid on the tenant's shoulders and that extremely small fines are being imposed by the courts on the landlords who do not carry out these repairs? Is the Minister as complacent as he appears to be from the reply?
If repairs are not being carried out, it is a matter for the courts. It is not a question of being unperturbed. This is the position and few people would wish to change it.
Mr. O'Leary
A 15/- fine on a landlord is scarcely very serious when one considers that there may be five or six families living in one room in dreadful conditions for over three months while the court is making up its mind. Is the Minister also aware that the firm of Messrs. Haughey and Boland have such houses in their possession and will he do something about this shocking state of affairs?
My answer is still the same. I have nothing to add to it or take from it.
Mr. O'Leary
Would the Minister look into the problem of the ridiculously small fines being imposed by the courts?
Certainly not; I do not have any control over the courts, as the Deputy is well aware.