asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that it is the practice of certain boards of health, where outgoing tenants of labourers' cottages are in arrears with their rents, to require incoming tenants to pay off such arrears; whether he has given his sanction to such practice, and if not, whether he will take the necessary steps to prevent it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Labourers' Cottages Arrears and Incoming Tenants.
I am not aware of the practice mentioned by the Deputy, but boards of health are not empowered legally to require incoming tenants of labourers' cottages to pay arrears due by the previous tenants. If any specific instance is brought to my notice I shall apprise them accordingly.