asked the President if and when it is intended to introduce legislation to facilitate Town Tenants in purchasing their homes, and to restrict the increasing of rent and eviction of tenants.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - LEGISLATION FOR TOWN TENANTS.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
It is understood that the Minister for Justice is about to set up a Departmental Committee, the terms of reference of which have not yet been fixed. It will possibly be limited to considering the existing Town Tenants Acts, especially that of 1906, which provides for compensation for disturbance and improvements. It is not proposed that it should extend to the consideration of the question of house purchase.
As mentioned by me on the 4th June last, I regret that I am unable to give any undertaking as to when it may be possible to introduce legislation on this subject, as no doubt the Deputy is aware that there is a very heavy programme before us in the present Session. I have no hope, therefore, that any action can be taken this year.
Would the President not leave by some of the Bills that are not so urgent as this matter? Will he give a guarantee that, say, in three or four months he will be able to undertake it?
I never like to put my name to a bill that I cannot meet. I will undertake to consider the question.