asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that leases negotiated between Dublin Corporation and a landlord for land on which to build local authority houses were for a shorter duration than leases negotiated between the same landlord and private builders; if he has issued any directive to the corporation that they should negotiate leases for as long a period as possible; and, if not, if he proposes to take any action in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Corporation House Leases.
39.
I am not so aware. A local authority have power to acquire land without my sanction. I have advised them in circular letter H5/67 that they should acquire land for housing as far as possible in fee simple.
Is the Minister not aware that leases granted to private builders are much longer than those granted to Dublin Corporation? Is it the practice of local authorities not to seek leases similar to those granted to private builders?
The acquisition of land by local authorities does not need my approval. We only come in where there is a compulsory purchase order involved. We have advised them to purchase the land in fee simple if possible. I do not think there is much more I can do in this case the Deputy mentions.
Can the Minister explain why there is a discrepancy in the terms of leases granted to local authorities as against those granted to private developers?
That seems to be a separate question.
There is no information in the Department to indicate what the Deputy has in mind. If he gives us some details I will have the matter taken up with Dublin Corporation and send him a report.
The lease granted to a private developer is much longer than that granted to a local authority.
Will the Deputy give us instances in which this happened?
I certainly will.