Vol. 372 No. 1
asked the Minister for the Environment the Government's policy regarding the powers of the city and county managers to fix local authority rents; if any alterations are proposed in these arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
23.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he proposes to reverse the decision of the previous Government in regard to the determination of local authority rents; and, if so, the cost of this change.
27.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will restore negotiating rights for the National Association of Tenant Organisations; if, pending this, he will withdraw the letter issued by his predecessor on 14 August last; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
44.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the impact that the NATO rent strike is having on local authority revenue receipts; the numbers, as a percentage, of tenants on rent strike; the proposals, if any, he has to ensure that the strike comes to an end as soon as possible on the basis of a satisfactory agreement between NATO and his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 23, 27 and 44 together. Local authorities are responsible for the rents of their dwellings and the details sought by Deputy Quinn are not available in the Department. However, I understand that the call by NATO for a rent strike has met with only limited support and that most tenants are paying their rents. The Government's election manifesto promised consultations with NATO who recently submitted their views to me about this and certain other matters. Their submissions are being examined in the Department with a view to arranging a meeting. Meanwhile, the existing rents schemes continue in operation and rents must be paid.
