asked the Minister for Justice if it is his intention to introduce legislation as would enable tenants in all urban areas throughout the country to purchase their rents on equitable terms, and if he is aware that, owing to the generally dilapidated condition of properties within these areas, landlords would be prepared to negotiate for reasonable terms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - House Purchase by Tenants.
asked the Minister for Justice if it is the intention of the Government to bring in legislation early which will enable "town tenants" to purchase their holdings from absentee landlords.
I propose to take questions Nos. 46 and 47 together.
The question of further amending the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1931, in order, if possible, to afford better protection to certain classes of leaseholders is under consideration. Representatives of the ground landlords have, however, asked that they should be afforded an apportunity of putting forward their views on the subject, in the form of a considered memorandum, before any decision is taken. I have agreed to this and, in these circumstances, I do not propose to make any statement at present.
Is the Minister aware of the general dissatisfaction that exists, with regard to the question of ground rents? Does he realise the gravity of the situation that exists in the town of Carndonagh, where court proceedings and eventually evictions may take place? Will the Minister see that nothing drastic is done until the negotiations, which are at present taking place between representatives of the landlords and the town tenants, are disposed of satisfactorily, or otherwise?
Mr. Boland
I do not know anything about what is happening in Carndonagh. It was really on the general question I was replying.