asked the Minister for Justice if it is his intention to introduce legislation to abolish the creation of future ground rents; and if he will make a general statement on the matter.
51.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ground Rents.
50.
asked the Minister for Justice when he proposes to introduce legislation to deal with the problem of ground rents as it affects such cases as the Middleton estate, Rosses Point, County Sligo.
(Cavan): With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 51 together.
I intend to introduce legislation to prohibit the creation of future ground rents on dwellinghouses at the earliest possible date. This legislation must be harmonised with other landlord and tenant legislation that is at an advanced stage of preparation and that covers a considerable portion of the statute law on landlord and tenant.
This is the legislation I was referring to in a reply to a question on 21st May when I said that, while I could not be certain about it, I hoped I might be in a position to initiate the legislation before the summer recess. I am not aware of any representations in relation to ground rents on the Middleton estate, Rosses Point, County Sligo.
The solicitor involved on behalf of the people concerned in the Middleton estate has been in touch with officials of the Department and was informed that legislation that would cater for their problems was pending.
(Cavan): As the Deputy is aware, the Landlord and Tenant Commission are sitting and have been sitting for a year and perhaps the solicitor mentioned by the Deputy will refer the matter to that commission.
If the relevant information is given to the Minister would he try to have it embodied in future legislation?
(Cavan): It will certainly be given every consideration, Deputy.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.