asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if it is intended to introduce proposals for legislation dealing with the housing problem, during the present session.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Legislation.
Yes; it is proposed to put proposals before the Dáil shortly.
Is the Minister in a position to state the date of the introduction of the proposed Bill?
No.
Is he in a position to make a statement to the House now regarding the position of individual citizens who made application in the proper way under the Housing Acts for grants and who were informed that no more money was available? Also will the Minister say whether or not in the new legislation he proposes to deal with outstanding cases under the existing Acts?
I cannot undertake to say anything until the proposals are before the House.
Will the Minister make a statement now as to the position of individuals who started building operations on the assumption that they would get grants, but who were recently informed that no more money was available? I think that the House and the country are entitled to that statement.
Will the Minister say whether the proposed legislation will include proposals for the erection of additional labourers' cottages?
The position of the people to whom Deputy Davin refers is perfectly clear. A limited amount of money was voted by the Dáil for new houses. It was made very explicit that that money was limited and that only a certain class of people could get grants, and that there was no proposal to vote additional money under the old terms. As to the new terms, the Deputy must wait until the fresh proposals are before the House. I could say nothing that would be either informative or helpful at the present moment, and the same thing may be said in regard to Deputy Cassidy's question.