Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1993

Vol. 425 No. 7

Written Answers. - Ground Rents Elimination.

Phil Hogan

Question:

178 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, she has regarding the elimination of ground rents; if legislation will be introduced to deal with this matter in 1993; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

The Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Act, 1978 prevents the creation of new ground rents on dwelling houses.

In addition, the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act provides for a low cost purchase scheme in relation to existing ground rents on dwellinghouses. 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 abolish the ground rent payable on a dwellinghouse and, indeed, a considerable number of people — about 60,000 — have availed themselves of that opportunity.

Any proposals which I may have for further change in the law in this area will be announced in the usual way. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that any proposal to abolish ground rents without compensation would not be in keeping with constitutional requirements.