andMr. Moore asked the Minister for Local Government if he is now in a position to state the relief which he proposes to grant to corporation tenants who purchased their homes under the pre-August 1973, scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Corporation Tenant Purchase.
28.
I have given this matter deep consideration but I am unable to add anything to my replies to previous questions on 8th November, 1973, and 7th February, 1974, in which I stated that I have no power to alter the terms of legal agreements entered into by tenants who purchased their houses under sales schemes in operation prior to July, 1973.
I think the Minister indicated earlier on that he thought it might be necessary, having examined the situation, to introduce some concession or some form of relief for people who bought houses £1,000 dearer than a similar house would cost under the new scheme.
Yes.
I take it he is still hopeful that he may be able to do something, even, perhaps, by way of a reduction in the repayment period?
In conversation with Deputy Tunney I have told him that I am still studying the matter but as of now there is nothing I can do. There is no point in asking if I will alter the scheme because the scheme, as it stands, is one which has been accepted by tenants and legal contracts have been entered into. Therefore, an exceptional type of action must be taken if anything can be done about it. If there is something I can do to assist, I will be glad to do it but I do not want to be rushed into trying to do something. Legally, as it stands, there is nothing I can do. I am endeavouring to find some way around it.
This has been an on-going thing for two years.
Yes. Unfortunately, it was on-going for a number of years before that when the £1,000 extra to which Deputy Tunney refers was put on. I believe it should not have been put on.
Did the Minister not tell us some time ago that he was awaiting the result of a survey by the local authorities and that he would then do something?
No. I said I was waiting for all local authorities to adopt the 1973 scheme. I regret to say that there are some local authorities who, for some extraordinary reason, have not yet been able to assess the correct price of the houses which they are selling to their tenants. Until the whole thing is cleared up, I do not want to mix it up by attempting to introduce some other change. I would ask the Deputies not to press me on this because I am as anxious and, perhaps, more anxious than they are to have something done.
Can the Minister give any approximate time?
I would prefer not to.