asked the Minister for Local Government if he will ascertain whether Dublin Corporation will consider resolving the present confusion of many longstanding occupants who have not as yet legally established their rights to tenancy; and if they will facilitate such tenants in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Corporation Tenants.
16.
I am informed by Dublin Corporation that any persons in doubt in this matter should apply to the corporation when the situation will be examined and the applicant's tenancy will be legally established in any case where this has not been done and where the applicant is entitled to the tenancy.
Is the Minister aware that people are living in fear of these inspectors calling on them, people who have occupied these houses for 15 or 20 years? This is not the attitude taken by Dublin Corporation who have never made an announcement to the effect that people could establish their rights to tenancy. Would the Minister ask the corporation to make a general announcement in regard to this fact?
I have not got inspectors to call on these people.
No, the corporation inspectors.
I thought the Deputy said "his inspectors".
No, corporation inspectors. This would help the people tremendously.
There may be some such cases but I have made the position clear. What is the Deputy asking?
That the matter be brought to the notice of the people, that the occupier who is not the legal tenant could consider making application to Dublin Corporation to obtain his rights.
As an Alderman of Dublin Corporation, I do not know of such cases.
That is not surprising.
I am aware of hundreds of cases.
Rip Van Winkle.
We cannot have people jumping the queue.
I am quite sure the corporation will not tolerate that.
That was not suggested in the question. It is suggested that people who have been living in houses for 15 or 20 years and who have not established their rights and who find themselves living in fear of this would——
If that is right, it is possible for them to establish their rights.
An announcement would help.
The regulations in the corporation provide that anybody who has been living in a corporation house for four years is automatically accepted as the tenant. I do not know of any such cases as those to which Deputy O'Connell refers, but if he has any information, we might try to help him.
Will the Minister use his good offices with the corporation?
We cannot have a debate on this matter.
I have told the Deputy already that I will make the suggestion.