asked the Minister for Local Government the number of extensions granted under the Galway Corporation tenant purchase scheme and the dates in each case.
Ceistéanna—Questions Oral Answers - Tenant Purchase Schemes.
26.
Galway Corporation's tenant purchase scheme which was approved on the 27th April, 1970, for a period of two years has been extended on three occasions. The first extension to the 30th September, 1972, was approved on the 29th March, 1972. The second extension to the 31st December, 1972, was approved on the 14th September, 1972, and the third extension to the 30th June, 1973, was approved on the 20th December, 1972.
I might add that, pending the completion of my review of sale terms, I have given a direction that proposals from local authorities seeking extensions of existing schemes should be approved.
27.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will extend the date of the Corrib purchase scheme, Galway beyond the 31st May, 1973.
I have approved of a proposal from Galway Corporation to extend the period during which new tenants in Corrib Park may avail of the purchase scheme for their houses. New tenants may now be given three months from the date of first occupancy to decide whether they intend to purchase under the terms of the scheme.
28.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he intends to amend the present purchase scheme period for rented cottages under the Labourers Act, 1936, so as to reduce the period of 44 years to a shorter period or periods with suitable options to tenant purchasers.
Under the Housing Act, 1966, a local authority may allow vested owners to redeem the annuities on their houses subject to certain conditions. I have no proposals to amend the terms of existing purchase schemes made under the Labourers Act, 1936.
Would the Minister consider giving those people in vested cottages the option of buying out the ground rent?
I am not aware that very many labourers' cottages have a ground rent attaching to them. As a result of my experience in local government I would not imagine any would have a ground rent.
To my surprise I discovered that some have. At least, that is my information.
If the Deputy will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister I am sure it will be considered.