andMr. Timmins asked the Minister for Local Government if he will make a statement with regard to the Arklow Urban Council tenant purchase scheme; and if he will be prepared to meet a deputation representing the interests of the tenants and Arklow and District Trades Council to discuss the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arklow Tenant Purchase Scheme.
25.
In March, 1967, I approved of the general terms of a scheme for the sale of houses to tenants, submitted to me by the Arklow Urban District Council under section 11 of the Housing (Ireland) Act, 1919. The terms provided for minimum prices ranging from about one-quarter to three-quarters of market value, as then assessed by the authority and confirmed by the Valuation Office, taking account of the age, situation and condition of the houses. It was indicated to the authority at the time that section 11 would be repealed shortly and that further sales under the Act could be made only to tenants who had firm applications with the authority on or before the date of the repeal. I understand that over 300 tenants did, in fact, apply in time to purchase. The section was repealed on 30th September, 1967, and it is not now open to the authority to propose variations in the approved terms of sale. There would be no point therefore in my meeting a deputation to discuss the matter.
The statutory authority for sale schemes after 30th September, 1967, is section 90 of the Housing Act, 1966, under which the maximum discount from the market or replacement value of houses in a built-up area is 30 per cent.
Can the Minister say whether this was the information conveyed to those people by the former Minister for Justice just before the by-election in Wicklow?
I have no doubt it was.
Would the Minister not agree to receive a deputation from these people?
There is no point. It would be a waste of time receiving a deputation.
Would the Minister say whether the elected members of Arklow Urban District Council approved of this scheme?
Approved of what scheme?
The purchase scheme.
As far as I know they did. The present scheme is in accordance with the terms laid down in section 90 of the Housing Act, 1966.
There appears to be some misunderstanding and I am sure the Minister is aware of this.
The Minister is aware——
Would the Minister not again consider receiving a deputation?
The position is that purchase schemes can now only be made under section 90 of the Housing Act, 1966.
That is not correct.
It is.
Ask your colleague beside you.
It is.
It is not correct: ask your officials.
(Cavan): Is it not a fact that one of the effects of this scheme is to charge these people interest at the rate of seven per cent or eight per cent on money that is costing the Minister three per cent and four per cent?
I do not know what Deputy Fitzpatrick is talking about now.
(Cavan): I am asking the Minister is that not a fact.
It is a question of disposing of houses which are the property of the local authority and the terms on which they are disposed of are very generous.
(Cavan): Is it not a fact that they are being charged interest at the rate of seven per cent and eight per cent on money that is costing the State three per cent and four per cent?
No such question arises.