asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that local authorities are holding up the finalisation of applications for the sale of ground rent to tenant purchasers because of non-payment of water rates; if this is in accordance with instructions from his Department; and if he agrees with the action of the local authorities.
Written Answers. - Local Charges.
556.
The guidelines which issued from my Department in relation to the collection of local charges were intended to secure sympathetic treatment for those who have genuine difficulty in paying such charges. The guidelines were necessarily in general terms and did not refer to the specific issue mentioned by the Deputy.
In regard to that issue, the position is that the management of their housing estates, including the operation of the scheme for the sale of ground rent to tenant purchasers, is a matter for individual local authorities and one in which I have no function.