asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is prepared to introduce proposals for legislation to ensure that every application for a grant under the Housing Act, 1932, will be accompanied by such evidence as he thinks adequate that trade union wages and conditions of employment are observed and will continue to be observed in the execution of the work for which the grant is sought; and if so, when it is proposed to have these proposals submitted to the Dáil.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Housing Act, 1932.
There are statutory provisions in this respect in the Housing (Financial and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1932. I do not consider that the course suggested by the Deputy is, therefore, necessary.
Is the Minister not aware that a subsidy has been paid in circumstances where these conditions have not been observed, and is he not going to do anything about it?
Subsidies have not been paid where the conditions have not been observed.
Was not the Minister furnished with specific information in regard to one case in County Dublin where the conditions were not observed?
There was a case in County Dublin that was the subject of long and protracted inquiry and negotiations and in the end the subsidy was paid — I think in all the cases. I am satisfied that, so far as we could discover, the trade union rate in the area was paid.
Is the Minister aware that if trade union rates were insisted on in the country in connection with such a grant as this, no houses could or would be built?
That was the Fine Gael policy.