asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he has received complaints regarding the shortage of suitable housing accommodation in the town of Edenderry, Offaly, and the refusal of the Town Commissioners, by a very small majority, to proceed with a new housing scheme as demanded in a memorial signed by the majority of the residents; whether he has been informed that the lack of suitable accommodation is preventing Messrs. Alesbury Bros. from employing a larger number of workers in their factory; whether he is now in a position to announce the result of the recent inquiry which was authorised by him to deal with an application for purchase of the old Workhouse Buildings for the purpose of providing additional housing accommodation in the town, or if he can state what action, if any, he proposes to take in connection with the matter.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - EDENDERRY HOUSING SHORTAGE.
The matters mentioned in the first parts of the question have been brought to my notice. The report of the recent inquiry is under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to say what action will be taken.
Has the Minister read the inspector's report?
I have.
Is the Minister aware of the fact that at the inquiry it was stated there were human beings living in stables in this town, and that the stables were owned by members of the Town Commission? When the Minister is coming to a conclusion on that matter—and I hope the conclusion will be a right one—will he take into consideration all those matters, in view of the fact that the Commissioners have refused to proceed with a new housing scheme?
I will take all the material facts into consideration.