asked the Minister for Local Government if he has considered the recommendations of the Emergency Housing Committee that (a) housing be declared a national emergency; (b) a priority be taken on all building material, and (c) a housing council or director of housing be appointed; and, if so, whether he has brought his recommendations on the matter before the Government.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Recommendations of Emergency Housing Committee.
(a) I think I can say that the public are aware of the acute urgency of the housing problem. To declare the problem a "national emergency" would not necessarily heighten the public's sense of the gravity of the issues involved or provide a more effective or expeditious solution of the problem. I do not, therefore, propose to recommend to the Government that housing be declared a "national emergency".
(b) The general question of securing expeditious and economical supplies of building materials is under constant review in the Department in conjunction with the local-authorities.
(c) The steps necessary to improve and facilitate the organisation and administrative machinery of local authorities have been examined. In Dublin, where the housing problem is most acute, arrangements have been made to augment the technical personnel. I do not propose to recommend to the Government the appointment of any other housing council or director of housing.
The Government is being kept continually informed of all aspects of the housing position.