asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the circumstances surrounding the eviction of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin on 28 March 1984; and if he will take steps to protect other elderly tenants from being evicted in similar circumstances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Elderly Tenant Eviction.
1.
While I was aware from press reports of the case referred to, I had no function in relation to it. It would appear however, that the problem arose primarily from a lack of understanding by one of the parties involved as to his legal rights. It also appears that, following an appeal, the person concerned is now in possession of the property in question.
I would point out that in this case the rent of the dwelling was fixed by the District Court under the terms of the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Act, 1982. In present circumstances an application would be dealt with by the Rent Tribunal under the amending Act of 1983. I understand that the tribunal makes every possible effort to ensure that the parties to a hearing are fully informed of their rights, including their rights to assistance under the rent allowance scheme operated by the Department of Social Welfare.