Brian O'Shea
Question:111 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice his views on whether ground rents on domestic dwellings are just; the action he proposes to take to rectify the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Domestic Dwelling Ground Rents.
The Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Act, 1978, prevents the creation of new ground rents on dwellinghouses and the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act, 1978 provides, as regards existing ground rents on dwellinghouses, a low cost purchase scheme. The Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (Amendment) Act, 1987, extends indefinitely the operation of that scheme.
The existing law therefore provides a ready means by which any person can terminate the ground rent payable on his dwellinghouse and a considerable number of people have availed themselves of that opportunity.