asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that a vacant cottage at Moneyfad, Ballymahon, County Longford, has been allocated to a man recently returned from England, who, prior to his going to England, was a tenant of a cottage in County Kildare; that this man's wife vacated the cottage in County Kildare during his absence in England; further, that members of the Defence Forces, with families, at present unsuitably housed in the locality, were passed over in the allocation of the cottage at Moneyfad; and whether, in view of the promises given to members of the Defence Forces that their interests would be properly looked after, he will investigate this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tenancy of County Longford Cottage.
The letting of labourers' cottages is a matter for the local authority subject to the provisions of the Labourers Acts and to the regulations made under the Housing (Financial and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1932. The regulations provide that in the letting of cottages the local authority shall consider and have regard to a report to be obtained from the medical officer of health as to the existing housing accommodation of each applicant and as to the degree of urgency of his need for alternative accommodation.
In the case of a vacant cottage at Moneyfad, the letting was made to the person recommended by the acting county medical officer of health.
Can the Minister say if the decision was come to by the local authority—the county council— or by the Government?
I am sure the Deputy is aware that under the County Management Act the manager acts for the local authority.
That means the Minister.
No. The Deputy knows that as well as I do.