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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1954

Vol. 144 No. 1

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Acts.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he proposes to introduce proposals for legislation to continue the Housing Acts after they expire on 1st April next; and, if so, when.

Proposals for legislation to extend the Housing Acts are at present under consideration and will be introduced as soon as is practicable.

Does the Minister not agree that it is unfortunate, since the Acts expire on the 31st March next, that at least some public notification of a Bill would not be given before this?

I am giving it now.

In that case, will the Minister make it clear to the public now that the proposals which he proposes to introduce will not be less favourable than those already in operation?

That is a separate question.

It is not easy to tell the House in advance of the contents.

I know it is not, but is the Minister not aware there are some people not going ahead with plans for new houses as they know they cannot finish them by the 1st April, the date on which the existing legislation terminates; and, if, therefore, he cannot introduce his proposals at once, he should announce them at once so that they can go ahead with their work?

I am not so aware.

The Minister cannot be unaware of what is happening, in that case, as I have met several cases myself.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider introducing proposals for legislation to amend the sections of the Housing Acts which confine reconstruction grants in respect of houses where grants were previously allocated to remedying defective roofing and providing additional accommodation, so as to include all types of maintenance work.

Proposals for amendment of the statutory provisions referred to are under consideration.

Will the proposal mentioned in the question be favourably considered, as it is a most desirable one?

Consideration and favourable consideration are, I suppose, two things.

I assume the Minister is aware of the difficulty which confronts many applicants at the present time for reconstruction grants seeing that they are confined to remedying defective roofing or providing additional accommodation, in cases where grants were previously allocated more than 15 years ago.

A reasonable case always impresses a reasonable man.

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