asked the Minister for Local Government if, in order to mitigate, within a fixed period, the gravity of the present housing problem, he will consider the establishment of a National Housing Board, which, acting in co-operation with local authorities, would be charged with the main responsibility for the provision of working-class houses; the board to have definite priority in respect of supplies; powers to acquire sites (including reservation for future use); financial resources at very low interest rates on amounts commensurate with the problem; and, finally, powers to ensure an adequate and continuous supply of labour on the basis of a guaranteed week and continuity of employment for a stated period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Proposed National Housing Board.
Mr. Murphy
Since assuming responsibility for the direction of the housing programme, I have had under continuous personal examination all aspects of the housing problem. In the course of this I am not overlooking the desirability of establishing a special board to assist me in tackling the problem, particularly in its bearing on Dublin City. From my initial examination of the problem I can assure the Deputy that its magnitude and severity have only confirmed my view that priority in respect of supplies of all kinds must be conceded to local authority housing. As an initial step towards the expedition of progress I am seeking the co-operation of local authorities and their responsible officials by personal contact and I intend to continue this line of policy with a view to accelerating progress generally.
So far as procedure is concerned I am keenly aware of the necessity for expediting the arrangements for the acquisition of land and the provision of adequate financial resources and I am seeking the co-operation of all concerned towards removing every obstacle arising under these headings. The provision of a continuous supply of labour coupled with continuity of employment for the workers concerned is a matter which I regard as of vital importance and which I hope to achieve with the good-will of the interests involved. Generally it may be taken that the overriding consideration in my mind in my approach to the problem is that of ensuring the erection of houses at the greatest possible speed and so far as I am concerned any obstacles which tend to impede this work will be set aside as soon as ever possible.