asked the Minister for Justice when the new legislation on ground rents will be initiated; and the reason for the delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ground Rents Legislation.
5.
As I have already indicated, this legislation must be harmonised with other landlord and tenant legislation that covers a considerable portion of the statute law on landlord and tenant, but one difficulty relating to the question of easing the burden of legal fees on purchasers buying their rents under the statute remains to be resolved. Nevertheless, it is my intention that the legislation should be initiated at the earliest possible date.
What is the reason for the delay?
It is a technical matter involving the burden of the fees on purchasers. It very often happens that the legal fees far exceed the purchase price of the ground rent and this is a factor inhibiting tenants from buying out their ground rents. I have been trying to devise a system whereby this burden would be eased.
Is the Minister aware of the disappointment that has arisen since two years ago when he promised legislation? People have put themselves into a very awkward position. They have been refusing to pay ground rent pending the legislation.
I have not promised any legislation to abolish existing ground rents. That would be unconstitutional. What I said is that future ground rents would be prohibited.