asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state when the Cottage Scheme in South Tipperary will be put into operation and if he is aware that many deserving applicants whose houses were condemned by medical officers were turned down by an inspector of the Department and what steps will be taken to provide houses for these people.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tipperary Cottage Scheme.
A Compulsory Purchase Order for the acquisition of sites for the building of 1,000 cottages was made by the Tipperary (South Riding) Board of Health and Public Assistance. I confirmed the order in so far as sites for 598 cottages were concerned and recommended the acquisition of alternative sites for 151 cottages in addition. The Commissioner is at present engaged in arranging for entrance on the lands pending the fixing of compensation with a view to an early commencement of building operations. A loan of £180,000 has been applied for from the Local Loans Fund and the matter is at present before the Commissioners of Public Works. An overdraft of £2,000 on housing capital account has been sanctioned to 31st March pending receipt of first instalment of loan. No unnecessary delay will take place in starting the building of the cottages.
I am not aware that the applications of any deserving agricultural labourers living in condemned houses were rejected, unless the proposed sites were unsuitable or that some statutory requirement of the Labourers' Acts was not carried out, but if the Deputy furnishes particulars of the cases referred to in the question I will have inquiries made with a view to bringing the applications to the notice of the Commissioner administering the affairs of the Board.