Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 166: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there has been a recent change in the policy regarding fees for the collection of ground rents; if a fee of €302.50 replaces the fee which was hitherto set at €70; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14711/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Property Registration Authority (PRA) administers a scheme under which owners of leasehold property can apply to purchase the ground rent and enlarge their interest into a freehold.

I understand that there are two types of such applications and that different fees apply to each. There has been no change in fee levels since 1984.

In cases where agreement has already been reached in advance between the parties ('consent cases') and the purchase price has been paid to the landlord, the fee is €30 if the applicant is in occupation of the dwelling house and €65 otherwise.

In cases where no advance agreement has been reached, the purchase price is determined by arbitration under the relevant legislative provisions. While this sum is paid to the PRA, it can then be claimed by the ground rent landlord. In these cases the PRA fee is €105 where the applicant is in occupation of the dwelling house and €195 otherwise.