asked the Minister for Local Government if he will now eliminate the anomaly whereby people who purchased corporation houses in 1972 find themselves at a disadvantage as compared with their neighbours as a result of the scheme introduced in 1973.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Corporation Purchase Houses.
27.
I would refer the Deputy to replies to previous questions on this matter on 8th November, 1973, 7th February, 1974 and 24th July, 1975 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.
Would the Minister consider taking such power as there is a great deal of discontent and unrest between neighbours living side by side who find themselves getting different deals?
Not at the present time. The Deputy is aware, of course, that if there is a lot of discontent it was caused by the Government of which he was a junior member for a period because of the conditions and prices which they laid down. One thing I resent is an attempt being made to blame me for what was done by my predecessor. This would be most unfair. I have said on a number of occasions that I would like to help these people if there was a way in which I could do so. The matter has been under review for quite some time and I have indicated that if there is anything I can do I will be only too glad to bring it before the House.
In justice, if there is a scheme it should cover the entire scheme of similar houses where people are living beside each other.
In justice, they should never have been charged what they consider to be exorbitant prices.