asked the Minister for Justice if he can now say when he intends to introduce, proposals for legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Town Tenants Commission.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Town Tenants Legislation.
The draft Bill based on the recommendations of the Town Tenants Commission is still under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to state when the Bill will be ready for introduction.
Is the Minister prepared to say that the Bill will be introduced so as to give it an opportunity of being enacted before the 24th June when the Rent Restrictions Act expires?
I am afraid that is scarcely possible, but I have my eye closely glued upon that situation and we shall introduce a measure carrying on, for the time being, the status quo, if the Bill is not ready before that date.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister not aware of the fact that many people are forestalling the cessation of the Rent Restriction Act? Cannot the Minister do something to help in that respect?
I have already explained that we shall bring in a Bill carrying on the present situation until such time as we are in a position to pass a permanent final Act. Of course, this is a very complicated question and it is better that it should be thoroughly digested before it comes before the House.
Mr. O'Connell
Would the Minister not recognise that there are people whose houses came out of control since 1927 and who are suffering, whom the status quo does not help? They are awaiting the Town Tenants Bill to help them. They will not be helped by carrying on the status quo, because it only applies to two classes.
I am aware of the fact, but before the Commission reported these people had ceased to be under control.