asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has yet completed his inquiries into the complaints submitted to him by applicants for corporation houses in Waterford City alleging that the Government letting regulations were not being fully complied with in the selection of tenants, and, if so, the nature of his decision in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Complaints in Waterford City.
Certificates relative to the letting of houses at Rockenham, Sullivan's Field and Mount Sion are being considered with a view to determination of the rate of subsidy appropriate to the allocations made. Further information on matters of detail has been sought arising from examination of these certificates and the reports of the housing authority and of the chief medical officer.
The certificates indicate that a number of the persons to whom the question relates have now been rehoused. A further number are listed for rehousing.
I propose to re-direct the attention of the housing authority to the desirability of adopting a graded or differential renting system with a view to ensuring through the equitable distribution of subsidies that, as far as is practicable, applicants for rehousing will not be precluded from accepting tenancies through inability to pay fixed rents.
I may add for the information of the Deputy that when there is a breach of the letting regulations the only penalty I can impose is the withholding of subsidy.