asked the Minister for Justice if he is considering any proposals for the abolition of ground rents, or other reforms of the ground rent system; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Ground Rents.
19.
The Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Act, 1978 which I initiated prevented the creation of new ground rents on dwelling houses. In the same year I initiated the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act, 1978 which provides a low cost purchase scheme of existing ground rents on dwelling houses. In 1987 I initiated the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Amendment Act which extends indefinitely the operation of that purchase scheme.
The existing law therefore provides a ready means by which any person can free himself of a ground rent payable on his dwelling house. A considerable number of people have availed themselves of that opportunity.
Any proposals for further legislation on ground rents will be announced in the ordinary way in due course.