asked the Minister for Justice if he will introduce legislation on a referendum to abolish ground rents.

26.

asked the Minister for Justice if he intends to introduce legislation to abolish ground rents; and, if so, when.

, Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 26 together.

I have no proposals for legislation which would provide either for an amendment of the Constitution in relation to ground rents or for legislation purporting to abolish the right to collect ground rents due under existing contracts.

In view of the fact that the Fine Gael Party and the Labour Party in their pre-election promises promised a review of the situation in relation to ground rents could the Minister indicate if they intend to extend the application of the £5 legal fees under the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1978?

(Limerick East): The Deputy is referring to the scheme, under the Land Registry, which is for the purchase of ground rent in the No. 2 Act, 1978. The provisions under that were to run for five years. The five years end on 31 July 1983. I am at the moment considering the situation which that will give rise to.

Tenants whose leases have less than 15 years to run are facing a particular difficulty. Has the Minister any proposals in relation to that situation?

(Limerick-East): I have no proposals in relation to that but if the Deputy will communicate with me in writing pointing out these specific difficulties, I will take the matter into account.