asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that under the existing law governing the allocation of council houses members of the Defence Forces are rendered ineligible to obtain such accommodation; and, if so, whether he will introduce proposals for legislation to enable these men to obtain council houses in the same manner as members of the Garda Síochána.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Council Houses for Members of Defence Forces.
I am aware of the limitations of the Labourers Acts code as regards tenancies and I am having the statutory provision reviewed in connection with proposed legislation dealing with the powers of housing authorities.
I should say, however, that there is no discrimination in favour of members of the Garda Síochána such as is suggested by the Deputy's questions.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state whether serving soldiers living in bad housing conditions are eligible for housing by local authorities.
I presume that this question relates to the same subject as that to which Deputy Rooney's question (No. 16) refers and I take it, therefore, that the reply which I have given in that case also covers this question.
Is the Minister aware that the allocation of houses in County Dublin is being held up because of the ruling given by inspectors of his Department that serving soldiers are not entitled to consideration for labourers' cottages? Will he take steps to protect the interests of these serving soldiers, many of whom, with large families, are living in single rooms?
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers, but I am not in a position to change the law on my own; it will have to be changed in the statutory fashion. The position is that soldiers, as such, are not entitled to labourers' cottages, whereas they would be entitled to houses in the working class districts. That is one of the existing anomalies that I hope to have amended.
In view of the fact that this particular interpretation of the Act has never come to light until now, and that serving soldiers have hitherto been given equal consideration with other applicants, surely it is too strict an interpretation of the Act to impose this penalty on them at this stage?