asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether Government engineers specify asbestos slate for houses assisted by Government grants, to the detriment of Irish slate, and if so, why; whether he is aware that the Irish quarry proprietors complain of this as unnational and harmful to Irish industry and promoting unemployment, and whether some organised effort could not be made whereby Irish slate will get preference in such cases.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SLATES FOR STATE-AIDED HOUSES.
The technical experts of the Department do not specify asbestos slates for houses assisted by Government grants, to the detriment of Irish slates. Generally speaking, they advocate the use of Irish slates wherever possible, due regard being had to the fact that roofing in artificial slate is considerably cheaper. In the general outline specification preference is indicated for the use of first quality slates, preferably from the Killaloe, Carrick-on-Suir, Benduff, or other approved quarries in Saorstát Eireann, and asbestos is merely included as an alternative. Owing to the excessive cost of building, the Department has produced, for the assistance of local authorities, an outline specification for small houses of reduced standard. They are what is commonly known as the Drogheda type. It contains every possible retrenchment in costs consistent with durability. This suggested specification includes asbestos as the roof covering, but local authorities are quite free, and are encouraged, to use Irish slates if the location of the houses and other factors as regards price warrant that course.
Any practical proposal which will lead to the more extensive use of Irish slate will receive the fullest and most sympathetic consideration, and any alleged causes of complaint in so far as local authorities are concerned will be inquired into.
Is the Minister aware that in Clonakilty, in connection with buildings under the control of the Department of Agriculture, asbestos has recently been used; that some time ago a very large hospital was constructed in Skibbereen covered with asbestos, and that, generally, approval has been given to the principle of using asbestos even by Government Departments?
I have not had these facts before me and if the Deputy will let me have them in more detail I will have the matter given any consideration we can give it.