asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state what sizes of slates are specified in the various housing schemes now in progress, and if he will take into consideration the sizes of slates that are now available for delivery.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sizes of Slates in Housing Schemes.
The specification issued by me for the guidance of local authorities and persons erecting houses under the Housing Acts provides that the roofs shall be covered with first quality slates, if necessary of the smaller sizes, from approved quarries in Saorstát Eireann, and all slates shall be strong, straight and without warp.
Apparently the smaller sizes are not specified?
That is so. The smaller sizes have not been specified; but in recent times, owing to the small output, the smaller slates have been allowed, and I understand they are now going to be specified.
Up to this the position has been that the larger sizes have been specified, and now smaller sizes will be allowed to be used, but are not specified.
That is so.
Will the Minister state what is responsible for the small output, in view of the fact that in the principal quarry in the Free State the men employed work only three days per week?
It is not correct to say that the men employed in the Killaloe Quarry, which I take it is the quarry the Deputy has in mind, are working only three days a week.
Is the Minister aware that not only are the men working merely three days each week, but some men have been dismissed altogether?
I believe I am stating what is an absolute fact when I say that the Deputy's statement is unfounded.
Has the Minister received his information from an inspector of his Department or from anyone connected with the quarry? Is the Minister prepared to state the source of his information?
I am quite satisfied with the source of my information.
From what source has the Minister got his information?
I am quite satisfied with the source of it.
I have no doubt about that.