asked the Minister for Local Government the proportion of income which (a) ordinary and (b) newly-wed tenants of Dublin Corporation housing accommodation are required to pay by way of rent; and if having regard to the fact that many newly-wed tenants have not been rehoused by the Corporation on or before the termination of a period of five years from the date of first occupancy, it is permissible for the Corporation after a period of five years from the commencement of tenancies to levy the higher proportion on such tenants; whether such practice has his approval; and if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rents of Dublin Corporation Houses.
43.
The proportions of total family income payable by way of rent by ordinary and newly-wed tenants of Dublin Corporation are one-sixth and one-fifth respectively. These proportions are in accordance with the differential rent scheme. It is open to the corporation, within that scheme, to charge the higher rent to newly-wed tenants in circumstances where they continue in occupation of reserved houses beyond the period of five years to which such occupancy is ordinarily limited.
Having regard to the fact that many of these so-called newly-wed tenants have been five to seven years married and have three or four children, would the Minister consider an amendment of the scheme to ensure that these people will have their rents fixed in proportion to their income for any period in excess of the period of five years where they remain in occupation through no fault of their own?
It would not be open to me to take steps in this matter.
If it came to the Minister, would he consider it?
That is pre-determining the issue.