Senseless suggestion

The suggestions of the Jesuit Justice and Peace Commission regarding the rent law reform leave very much to be desired and clearly illustrate how injustice is to be meted out to so many silent, honest owners of pre-1995 property.

The commission's recommendation No. 15 is not only archaic but crass idiocy. This reads: "The rent should not be fixed as proposed (by the draft rent law reform, namely according to the rise in inflation since 1960 or a minimum of €185 every year); the rent should be established at the rate of three per cent of the value last taxed for succession purposes."

Is the commission not aware that tenants currently paying rent frozen at 1939 levels are earning 2008 salaries, wages, social assistance, pensions, etc. These people charge 2008 prices for their services and work? I hope the government ignores the commission's suggestions on rent reform.

Hats off to the Minister of Social Policy for his initiative; I hope he implements what is right and just regardless of any senseless recommendations such as those put forward by the Justice and Peace Commission.