Written answers

Thursday, 24 November 2011

Department of Justice, Equality and Defence

Ground Rents

5:00 pm

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 176: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the legislation that will be introduced in regard to ground rent in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36863/11]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The position is that Part III of the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act 1978 contains a statutory scheme whereby any person may, at reasonable cost, acquire the fee simple in his or her dwellinghouse. The scheme is operated by the Property Registration Authority and since it was introduced in 1978, over 80,000 applicants have availed of it to acquire the freehold title to their property.

I should add that a High Court judgment upholding the constitutionality of the ground rents legislation was delivered in early 2006 but was subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court. That appeal has been heard and the Supreme Court has reserved its judgment. The operation of the law in this area continues to be monitored in my Department.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.