asked the Minister for local Government whether he is aware that owners of council cottages in County Dublin with members of their families suffering from tuberculosis who applied to the council to have an extra room built to their cottage were told that the rent would be increased by 11/3 as a result and whether, in view of the fact that the rent will thus become prohibitive, he will make representations to the responsible authority to have rooms built at a more reasonable rent, and if he will further state when the £100 grant towards the building of such extra rooms was withdrawn.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rents of Additional Cottage Rooms.
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is "No". Under the provisions of Section 3 of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1946, a tenant of a labourer's cottage is eligible to have an extra room added free of charge where any member of the household is undergoing treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis and the existing accommodation is inadequate. Grants for the erection of such extra rooms have not been withdrawn.
Mr. Burke
Is the Minister aware that I have had considerable difficulty in getting additional rooms built to houses where there are people suffering from tuberculosis and that the local authority has stated that they would build a room on to such cottages on the tenants agreeing to pay 11/3 per week more for the cost of the room? Would the Minister have the matter examined with a view to clarifying the position?
My answer to the Deputy states that a tenant of a labourer's cottage is entitled to have an extra room added free of charge where any member of the household is undergoing treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis and where the existing accommodation is inadequate.
Mr. Burke
Would the Minister inform the local authority of that fact because I am having some difficulty in the matter?