asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the growing dissatisfaction among citizens in Waterford City borough who require proper housing accommodation at the manner in which corporation houses are being allocated; and, if so, whether he will have a public inquiry held in Waterford to investigate the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford City Housing.
I am not aware of any matter in connection with the allocation of Waterford Corporation houses which would call for investigation at a public inquiry.
Supposing I give to the Minister at least 40 written statements alleging that houses are not being allocated in accordance with the letting regulations as sanctioned by his Department and suggest that a danger both to health and morals is being caused due to the present system, will he then undertake to have the matter investigated?
When I have had an opportunity of reading the letters to which the Deputy refers. I might mention that the volume of correspondence from or on behalf of persons needing housing accommodation in Waterford has been negligible—only ten such letters are registered in my Department since the 1st January last. In three of these cases, correspondents referred to the success of less needy applicants, a feature common to most of the correspondence received in regard to allocations throughout the country. If the Deputy forwards to me the letters to which he refers, I will look into the matter.
Will you accept hundreds of them?
I certainly will.