Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 May 1995

Vol. 452 No. 5

Written Answers. - Review of Landlord and Tenant Act, 1980.

Michael McDowell

Ceist:

88 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Justice the progress, if any, in the deliberations of the interdepartmental group reviewing the Landlord and Tenant Act in relation to domestic lettings which was established in the light of the Mespil controversy; if she is aware that elderly tenants continue to be evicted by landlords in order to avoid the 20 year threshold for protection under the Landlord and Tenant Acts; if her Department is dealing with this issue as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [88252/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

My predecessor established a working group to examine and report on the provision of security of tenure in the private rented sector with particular reference to any changes which may be desirable to the provisions of the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1980.

I am, of course, aware of the issues in relation to the law in this area and as I understand it — and the Deputy will appreciate — it is because of the complexities involved in any legislative changes in this area that it was decided to establish the working group.

I understand that the working group in question has sought and received submissions from interested parties which are being examined. I might mention that the group, in particular, has met with representatives of the Mespil Estate Tenants' Association.

I am very anxious that the work of the group proceeds with all possible urgency. It is in that context that I am considering proposals which would augment the working of the group with a view to setting a specific deadline for the conclusion of its report.