asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that approximately 230 cottiers in County Kerry who were the first to purchase their cottages are still paying a purchase annuity based on 75 per cent. of the former rent, and, if so, if he will make an Order reducing this figure to 50 per cent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Cottiers' Annuities.
I have no power to make such an Order.
Could the Minister see his way to introduce legislation?
It is the function of the housing authority to formulate a cottage purchase scheme. A scheme was prepared and approved based on 75 per cent. of the existing rent. Schemes made on that basis are statutory instruments and the Minister has no power to alter the terms of such schemes. That is a matter for legislation. However, housing authorities were informed by circular on the 9th March, 1951, that the Minister would be prepared to sanction schemes based on 50 per cent. of the rents. I have no power to interfere with the schemes based on 75 per cent. of the rents.