asked the Minister for Justice whether he intends to re-introduce the Landlord and Tenant Bill, 1977; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Landlord and Tenant Bill.
7.
As the Deputy is aware, I have already introduced a short Bill to prohibit the creation of future ground rents on ordinary dwellinghouses. My next project in this area will be the introduction, in the very near future, of a Bill to deal with existing ground rents on such houses. When both those Bills have been dealt with by the Oireachtas, my intention is to introduce, as soon as possible, a more comprehensive Bill covering substantially the same ground as the Landlord and Tenant Bill, 1977 which lapsed with the dissolution of the 20th Dáil.
Would the Minister tell me what he means by "in the very near future" in relation to the Bill to abolish existing ground rents? Could he put some time limit on it at this stage in view of the fact that the promised six months period is running out?
The Deputy should be able to do his sums and know that six months from the time I gave the assurance will not expire until 5th January. The Deputy need have no fear whatever that the assurance I gave will not be fully honoured; he should wait for it and not get excited about it.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister sure they will not take a march on Leinster House?
The Deputy might be surprised.
May I ask the Minister if the future Bill will contain a provision for the abolition of existing ground rents with or without compensation?
I suggest to the Deputy that that is an entirely separate question.
Might I ask whether or not it is contained in the Bill?
There is one other matter directly arising out of this question. Is the Minister aware of the Supreme Court decision in Byrne v. Loftus and the problems that is causing tenants at present renewing their leases? Those problems would have been resolved under the terms of the earlier Bill. In those circumstances, does he not accept that there is a degree of urgency for the reintroduction of that Bill, apart altogether from the question of ground rents?
I accept that there is a degree of urgency with regard to the reintroduction of the Landlord and Tenant Bill. I will do everything I possibly can to get it into this House as fast as I can and when it is in the House to have it dealt with as quickly as possible.
No problem for me. I am in great form awaiting it.
I am delighted to hear that.