asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that a number of labourers in County Kerry received cottage plots from the board of health for building purposes but are now precluded under the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1948, from using these plots as building sites and, if so, whether he will consider introducing legislation to amend the relevant Act so that the labourers may utilise these plots for the purpose for which they were originally granted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Building Plots.
Mr. Murphy
I understand that a number of agricultural labourers in County Kerry purchased cottage plots from the former board of health for the purpose of building houses thereon for their own occupation. There is no provision in the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1948, which would prevent the owners of these plots proceeding to use them for the purpose for which they were acquired. There are, however, certain other cases where plots have been rented to agricultural labourers for agricultural purposes. In these cases I would suggest that the Deputy might get in touch with the local authority with a view to making suitable agreed arrangements for the housing of the occupants on the sites in question.
Is the Minister aware that these applicants have already applied to his Department for a housing grant and that, in accordance with the provisions outlined in the 1947 Housing Act, they were unable to submit the necessary proof that they were the titled owners of these plots? They realise that the plots are still the property of the board of health and that unless legislation is introduced to enable them to become the titled owners they cannot erect houses on them.
Mr. Murphy
May I suggest to the Deputy that a much more expeditious way of dealing with this matter would be to have arrangements made with the local authority in Kerry to erect cottages on the sites in question. The introduction of legislation to deal with a matter of this kind is likely to take a very considerable time. I suggest to the Deputy that the alternative which I have suggested to him would be much more suitable and would be a more expeditious way of dealing with the problem.