asked the Minister for Justice if he is now in a position to state when the proposed Bill, dealing with protection for the tenants of furnished flats, will be introduced.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tenancy of Furnished Flats.
Mr. Boland
No decision has yet been taken on the question of legislation for the protection of tenants of furnished flats.
The Minister will recall that on the passing of the Rent Restrictions Bill through the House he did, in fact, give an undertaking that he would introduce a Bill along the lines of the British Bill.
Mr. Boland
I did not give an undertaking. I said I would consider the matter, and there is a difference between saying that I would introduce legislation and saying that I would consider the matter. What I said was that I would consider the matter, and that if it was then found necessary I would bring it before the Government. I think that if the Deputy looks up what I said he will find that I did not give any definite undertaking.
Has the matter been under consideration?
Mr. Boland
Yes, but I have not come to any conclusion on it.
Will the Minister see that evictions are stopped pending the introduction of legislation? There are a number of people who are threatened with eviction within the next few weeks, and they have nowhere to go.
Mr. Boland
That is a matter for the courts. I cannot interfere with the courts.
Will the Minister see that legislation is brought in with a view to stopping evictions when cases come to court—at least for a few months until houses are available?