asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the reason for the hold up in sanctioning plans which were sent to his Department last October for non-municipal houses in the North Cork health area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Cork Houses.
The plans referred to by the Deputy are house designs intended for use in schemes for which 450 sites were included in "The Cork County Council (North) Compulsory Purchase (Labourers Acts) Order, 1949". Detailed examination of the designs was therefore necessary and certain amendments have now been recommended to the county council. The examination of the house plans did not hold up the proposed schemes as the council had no power to acquire any of the sites until last month and as no layout plans for any of the schemes were submitted for approval until the present month when layouts for three schemes were furnished.
Would the Minister state whether at a recent conference the initiative and proficiency of the architect engaged in the North Cork health area were referred to and will he state whether any blame is due to the architect for the delay in the Minister's Department in sanctioning or rejecting those plans?
That is a separate question.
I think the Minister could easily have given an opinion with regard to the proficiency and initiative of the architect.
Ministers are not supposed to give opinions but answers to definite questions.