asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will investigate the conditions prevailing in the housing scheme, carried out by the town commissioners at St. John Square, Portlaoighise; if he is aware that no fencing exists to segregate the garden plots attached to the houses on the scheme, and that the absence of such fencing makes it impossible for the tenants to cultivate their plots; if he will state whether the scheme was completed in accordance with the terms of contract and specifications laid down; and if so, why no fencing was provided; and further, if he will see that the appropriate steps are taken to remedy the grievances of the tenants in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Portlaoighise Housing Scheme.
The approved specification for the housing scheme at St. John's Square, Portlaoighise, provided for front fencing by wrought iron railings and wicket gates and rear division fences consisting of four rows of galvanised wire fixed and strained to reinforced concrete posts. Owing to supply difficulties arising out of emergency conditions it was not possible for the contractor to complete the scheme strictly in accordance with the original specification, and a number of variations were unavoidable, including the substitution of timber gates and front walls in mass concrete and rear division-fencing by way of thorn quicks. In so far as was practicable [1031] the scheme was completed in accordance with the terms of the approved contract and specification. No representations have been made to my Department in connection with the fencing.
In view of the special circumstances which exist in this case, whereby the tenants of houses in Portlaoighise are unable to cultivate their plots, will the Minister take steps to see that the contractor completes this scheme in accordance with the specification, by proper fencing of the plots?
The Deputy's representations in this matter ought to be addressed to the appropriate local authority.
Is it not the duty of the Local Government Department to see that schemes are carried out in accordance with specifications approved by the Department which, in this case, was not done?
The scheme would be carried out in accordance with the specification if it was practicable to do so. The Deputy wants us to refrain from building houses because we cannot put divisions between back gardens.
Question No. 11.
I will get the Minister on his Estimate.
I should like Deputies to realise that the Ceann Comhairle is the sole judge of the number of Supplementaries, and it is quite disorderly to persist in trying to ask Supplementaries when the Ceann Comhairle has called the next question.
I did not hear you call the next question. I apologise.
You were too busy talking.