asked the Minister for Justice the number of decrees issued by the courts for the non-payment of ground rents (i) prior to 1 August 1978 and (ii) to date.
362.
Written Answers. - Non-Payment of Ground Rent.
358.
asked the Minister for Justice the number of ejectment or eviction processes for non-payment of ground rents issued (i) prior to 1 August, 1978 and (ii) to date.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 358 and 362 together.
As I pointed out in reply to a previous question in this House (Official Report, column 1265, 21 November, 1978), the statistical records kept in court offices do not, as a practical matter, enable civil actions related specifically to the non-payment of ground rents to be distinguished from other actions. Apart from any other consideration, that distinction would involve a decision in each case as to whether the particular rent should or should not be described as a ground rent and this would involve an assessment of the terms of the particular lease or tenancy and perhaps of other matters also. The same considerations apply in the case of ejectment orders.