asked the Minister for Justice if he has been approached by ACRA regarding the holding of a referendum to abolish existing ground rents, whether such a course of action is feasible, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ground Rents.
25.
I received a copy of a resolution adopted by ACRA calling for a referendum on the question of ground rents. In reply I have indicated that the Government's considered response to the ground rents problem is reflected in two Acts that were passed during 1978, that is, the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Act, 1978 and the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act, 1978. The former Act effectively prohibits the creation of new ground rent leases of dwellinghouses. Under the latter Act a special scheme is in operation which enables ground rent tenants of dwellinghouses to acquire the fee simple on very favourable terms in as much as that, for a nominal fee, the State undertakes the legal work involved. I have no further proposals for legislation in this area.
In the circumstances I do not think that there would be much point in my giving my views as to the feasibility of holding such a referendum. I should like to make it clear, however, that what is called for by ACRA is an amendment of the Constitution which would provide for the confiscation of the property of certain citizens. There is no question of the Government's supporting such an amendment of the Constitution.
Surely the Minister is aware that people paying ground rent are not satisfied with the present situation. They were told by the Minister when he was in Opposition that if Fianna Fáil were returned to Government existing ground rents would be abolished. Has he any intention of living up to that promise?
I do not accept what Deputy Deasy says in his supplementary question, which is more of a statement than a question. I assure him that this matter was well and truly debated in this House and in the Seanad for many weeks and I dealt with my responsibility more than amply in regard to my obligation to ACRA as a result of promises made by me prior to the election in June 1977.
The Minister did abolish the idea of new ground rents but he had promised that he would abolish existing ground rents. Does he see any merit in the holding of a referendum to do that?
I do not, and for the reasons I gave in my reply.
What percentage of ground rents are abolished at this stage? Does the Minister anticipate a situation, say at the end of next year——
That is a separate question.
I have not got that information at this stage.