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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Nov 1967

Vol. 231 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions (Resumed). - Repair of Tenanted Dwellings.

88.

asked the Minister for Justice if, with a view to having more effective action taken against the owners of tenanted dwellings which are in bad repair because of the owners' default, he will introduce legislation to amend the Rent Restrictions Acts so as to enable the tenants of all dwellings, irrespective of whether or not the dwellings are rent controlled, or the local authority concerned to apply to the court for an order to withhold all rent pending the putting of the dwellings into proper repair.

I do not consider that the amending legislation suggested by the Deputy is necessary. The law already provides adequate remedies for tenants, whether their dwellings are rent-controlled or not, to ensure that landlords comply with their obligations in the matter of repair.

Is the Minister conscious of the fact that no applications have been made to the courts to have the rents reduced in this way? Would he not agree that this would appear to indicate that the powers, although there, are not sufficiently inviting to the tenants or the local authorities?

As I explained last week, the local authorities have power under the Public Health Acts and are using these powers.

For controlled houses.

People have their ordinary rights under law.

Would the Minister not have regard to the fact that most of these tenants are of negligible means, of no means, or are semi-illiterate and they are not in a position to instruct solicitors to prosecute their claims and are not in a position to prosecute them themselves? Everything should be done to make it possible for local authorities to take the initiative.

On this matter we had a very long debate when the last Rent Restrictions Act was going through the House. I might say that there was no amendment put down by the Deputy or by any member of Fine Gael on Committee Stage. I was rather surprised at this. I was here on Committee Stage waiting for constructive suggestions but no amendments were put down.

The Minister knew his own legislation was faulty and weak?

I am always open to constructive suggestions.

It is not our job to draft legislation for the Government.

We are all part of the Parliament.

Question No. 89 postponed.

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