asked the Minister for the Environment the action, if any, it is proposed to take against landlords who discriminate against applicants for accommodation on grounds of family size.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Family Accommodation Discrimination.
7.
I have no powers to take action in this matter.
Would the Minister consider taking power to set up some kind of independent tribunal to consider situations between landlords and tenants in regard to the size of families, colour, anything else which might discriminate against them——
I am concerned about this. A review of the entire matter in regard to rented accommodation was carried out by the Department and circulated for observations by interested parties. That was in 1977. The comments received from other Departments are being examined by the Minister and a submission will be made to the Government in due course. It appears to me that in many instances parents with children are unacceptable to landlords as tenants. It is difficult to see how specific measures could be applied to deal with these matters or could be provided for in legislation. I will see what can be done when the results of this review have been published.
Does the Minister think that the model bye-laws which he circulated to local authorities would be an adequate instrument for removing this area of discrimination? Alternatively, would he consider that rented property whose owners discriminate against tenants should forfeit the right to abolition of rates? Do not such powers reside in the Department? Could not this discrimination be eliminated if the Minister had the political will to do so? He has the power already.
All these matters will be considered when the results of the review are available.
Am I right in assuming the Minister agreed to consider the possibility of introducing measures which would outlaw discrimination against applicants for rented accommodation on grounds of family size?
The whole matter is under review and when the comments from other Departments have been finalised a submission will be made by the Minister to the Government.
Does the Minister exclude the possibility of such controls being introduced?
Nothing is explicit at the moment.
In view of the question asked earlier by Deputy Browne in relation to the introduction of independent tribunals for adjudicating on these matters, is the Minister aware of the existence of a letter dated 7 June 1977 from a director of elections of Fianna Fáil to the National——
I am calling Question No. 8. This is not relevant.
This letter referred to the setting up of such tribunals. Is the Minister aware of that letter?
I am calling Question No. 8.
Can I have an answer?
It is a separate question. It is not relevant.
It is a very embarrassing question.