asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the hardship being caused to residents of houses in the Infirmary Road area of Dublin who live in what are known as artisans' dwellings which were bought over by Folio Houses Limited some time ago with the result that rents increased dramatically for many long time residents, some of them very elderly; and if he will outline how the Government can help in this matter.
Written Answers. - Control of Rents.
36.
I have no functions in regard to the level of rents of these houses as fixed by the District Court or the Rent Tribunal. In so far as possible hardship is concerned, there is provision in section 23 of the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Act, 1982 for allowances for tenants affected by the decontrol of rents affected by that Act. The administration of this system of allowances is a matter for the Minister for Social Welfare. Section 5 of the Finance Act, 1982, as amended, provides for income tax relief in respect of rents paid in respect of private rented accommodation by tenants aged 55 or over.