asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that relatives of the late James Chester, occupier of an ex-serviceman's house at Portlaoighise were evicted although relatives of deceased exservicemen at Fethard have been allowed to remain in possession of such houses on payment of an agreed rent; and, if so, whether, in view of the acute housing shortage, he will discuss the matter with the British authorities with a view to having the same arrangements made for the relatives of Mr. James Chester and other families similarly situated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Eviction of Ex-Serviceman's Relatives.
I have no power to interfere with the allocation of tenancies by the Irish Sailors and Soldiers Land Trust which is an independent body operating under the terms of its establishment.
I have, however, been informed by the trust that they consider that they have no power to give the representatives of the tenant referred to a tenancy in preference to another applicant who is held by them to be qualified and in urgent need of housing accommodation.
Is the Minister aware that prior to the passing of the late Minister for Local Government tentative arrangements had been made to meet representatives of the trust with a view to evolving a scheme aimed at providing security of tenure for these tenants? Will the Minister now arrange to meet the representatives in order to discuss the matter?
I am sure the Deputy knows that this matter was under consideration by my predecessor. The Deputy will appreciate also that it is an extremely difficult problem. However, the matter is being examined with a view to finding a solution to what, over a long period of years, has proved a problem which defied solution. The matter at the moment is under active consideration by the Department with a view to trying to meet the position which the Deputy aims at.