Human Rights Issues.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 March 2004

Thursday, 25 March 2004

Ceisteanna (142)

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

142 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he proposes to amend the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Act 1982 in view of the judgement of the European Court of Human Rights on 24 July 2003 in a case (details supplied), to bring the Act into compliance with the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms regarding the right of a surviving partner of a same sex couple to inherit a tenancy on the death of the official tenant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9424/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

The Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Act 1982, confers a right to retain, as a tenant, possession of a formerly rent controlled dwelling for the lifetime of the person who was the tenant at the commencement of the Act on 26 July 1982 and for the lifetime of the person's spouse. My Department is currently examining the judgment referred to in the question to consider if any action is required regarding the 1982 Act.