asked the Minister for Local Government if local authorities are precluded from allotting housing facilities to members of the Garda: and, if so, why this is the case; further, if he is aware that members of the force are living in insanitary and wholly unsuitable dwellings because of this rule.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gardaí and Housing.
Mr. Murphy
Local authorities are precluded by law from allotting cottages built under the Labourers Acts to members of the Garda because they do not come within the definition of "agricultural labourer". In the letting of houses provided under the Housing of the Working Classes Acts local authorities are required to comply with certain statutory preferences based mainly on family circumstances and existing accommodation and if any member of the Garda should come within these preferences the local authority would not be precluded from granting him a tenancy. I am not aware that because of the statutory limitations I have indicated members of the Garda are living in the conditions referred to by the Deputy.