andMr. Moore asked the Minister for Local Government if he is yet in a position to reply to the case made by the deputation of Dublin City Commissioners on behalf of tenants who purchased their houses under the pre-1973 tenant purchase scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - Dublin Tenant Purchase Scheme.
30.
As I informed the deputation I met on 9th January, I shall not be in a position to reply fully to their case until the final house prices under the new tenant purchase scheme have been determined in all local authority areas. Dublin Corporation have not yet completed their new purchase scheme and I am also awaiting the completion of schemes in a small number of other local authority areas.
If it can be shown there would be substantial differences would the Minister be prepared to show sympathy to the people who lost out on the last scheme?
I have the greatest sympathy in the world with the people who were unfortunate enough to buy their houses under the Fianna Fáil scheme. I had given an assurance to the deputation that was sent to me and to various other people that if at all possible I would help them. However, until this scheme which I introduced, and which in 99 per cent of the cases is so much better than the scheme which went before it, is in full operation, I cannot assess the cost or say how I can assist those who are not included in it.
I think the Minister said Dublin Corporation had not completed its assessment. What can they do to complete it?
They can make available the cost of the new houses to the tenants and make arrangements so that these people can purchase their houses. They have not done that. There are other local authorities in the same position. I would like to know what it will cost Dublin Corporation finally when they are selling their houses to the tenants, or what the scheme will cost. It is not possible to make comparisons with the other scheme or to offer any alleviation until that information is available. I would be glad to help, but until I know where I am, I cannot do it.
Is the Minister aware of the sense of grievance among people who did purchase their houses prior to his scheme and who observed the law and did not go on rent strike? Is he further aware that his action will encourage people to go on rent strike in future? Does the Minister not feel that he might open the flood gates by his action in not including the other people who had been good citizens and observed the law?
If Deputy Briscoe is asking me to revert to the Fianna Fáil scheme, which was robbing these people, I do not propose to do so.
The Minister misunderstands what I am asking.