asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that some owners of property in Dublin have made it impossible for persons suffering from tuberculosis to take advantage of Corporation of Dublin scheme, under the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1946, which provides for the erection of an extra room for tuberculosis patients, as these owners have refused to sanction the erection of such accommodation; and if he will take the necessary steps to enable the intention of the Act to be implemented in such cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing of Tuberculosis Patients.
I am informed that the Dublin Corporation is not aware of any case of refusal of permission. I would suggest to the Deputy that he bring the particulars of any case that has come under his notice before the Dublin Corporation who may be willing to make representations on behalf of the tenant to the owner explaining at the same time the manner in which the cost of an extra room is subsidised.
The Grand Canal Company have refused sanction for the erection of an extra room for a tubercular patient in the City of Dublin.
I am suggesting that the Deputy should bring that matter before the body to which he belongs— the Dublin Corporation—who are responsible in the first instance.
Surely the Minister will amend the Bill so as to ensure that owners of property will not unreasonably withdraw sanction for the building of the extra room for a tubercular patient.
I have no knowledge of the facts in this case beyond what the Deputy has disclosed. I have no knowledge and nothing leads me to believe that the permission was unreasonably refused. The matter is, however, finally one for the Dublin Corporation, of which the Deputy is a member, and I would suggest that he take the matter up there.
The Minister has knowledge now that the Grand Canal Company refused permission. I am asking him will he amend the Bill so that they will not in future have power to withhold their sanction for the erection of a room for tuberculosis patients?
I would suggest that if the Deputy wants a room provided, instead of publicising the fact here and attacking the Grand Canal Company, he should take it up with the Dublin Corporation.