Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Nov 1955

Vol. 45 No. 8

Rent Restrictions (Continuance and Amendment) Bill, 1955—Second and Subsequent Stages.

Question proposed: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."

Minister for Justice (Mr. Everett)

The object of the Bill is to prolong the present Rent Restrictions Acts, which otherwise would expire at the end of next month, for a further period of one year, that is, until the 31st December, 1956. It is settled policy that these Acts ought not be allowed to lapse before the Government have completed their examination of the whole problem of rent control with particular reference to the recommendations in the Report on Rent Control presented to my predecessor by the Conroy Commission.

The commission's report contains a comprehensive review of the rent control problem and its main recommendations are that the present controls be continued, with some increases in controlled rents for landlords who are liable for repairs to meet increased repair costs, and that control be extended to houses built since 1941 or to be built hereafter. The report also recommends an extension of control to furnished lettings. There are other recommendations which also raise important issues and there are many suggested amendments of a technical character.

The aim of the Government is to reach a fair solution of this problem, which has persisted since rent control was first introduced almost 40 years ago, and which has since grown in complexity. A complicated system of legal rights and obligations has developed in the meantime and must be taken into account in assessing the situation. Since the war relatively few houses have been built for letting apart from those provided by local authorities. Private builders have been active in building houses for owner-occupation, but there is still a shortage of houses, particularly in Dublin and Cork, and it will be some years before the shortage can be fully overcome.

These are some of the considerations which the Government have to bear in mind. I am not yet in a position to announce their final decisions although I am hoping to be able to do so during 1956. In the meantime, I am sure there will be general agreement on the necessity for continuing the present Acts in force for a further period and I commend the Bill to the House.

Finally, I should like to take this opportunity of saying that a Bill is being prepared on the basis of the recommendations in the second report of the Conroy Commission, that is to say, the Report on Reversionary Leases under the Landlord and Tenant Acts.

Mr. Hawkins

We are somewhat disappointed by the information which the Minister has given us in connection which the recommendations of the Rent Restrictions Commission. We have been waiting for quite a long time now for a comprehensive Rent Restrictions Bill and I would like to point out to the Minister the importance of having such a Bill brought in as early as possible.

The Minister referred to the fact that, in late years, there have been no developments in the provision by private enterprise of houses for renting. The Minister could not expect and the Government could not expect it to be otherwise, while this whole question of rent restriction is hanging in the air, and while people who might be prepared to build for renting do not know exactly where they stand. So, apart altogether from doing justice to the landlord and tenant who are landlord and tenant at the moment, if we want to encourage the erection of houses for letting, by private enterprise or by local societies, we should be in a position to introduce the comprehensive Bill, so that people will know what provisions will govern the letting of houses in future.

The Minister also stated that the houses being erected are all for tenant purchase. That may be very good, but there is a big want, and that want is being passed over, and local authorities have now to provide what was provided in the past by private enterprise.

Mr. Everett

I am only promising that I will endeavour, along with the Government, to have a Bill in 1956.

Mr. Kissane

Does this Bill comprise two years—1955 and 1956?

Professor Hayes

Only one year, to 31st December, 1956 as set out in the first section.

Mr. Hawkins

But as regards repairs that have been carried out by the landlord?

Professor Hayes

Two years up to 1956, of course.

Question put and agreed to.

Agreed to take remaining stages to-day.

Bill passed through Committee; reported without amendment; received for final consideration; and passed.

Professor Hayes

We made some Orders to-day for Committee Stages on Wednesday next, but it would appear that only one of these Bills will give rise to a long or substantial Committee Stage, that is, the Bill we have been discussing, the Gaming and Lotteries Bill. We have discussed this matter with other members of the House and there would appear to be agreement that there is no need for a meeting of the House until December 14th, when we would take these Committee Stages.

The Seanad adjourned at 10.5 p.m. until Wednesday, December 14th, 1955.