asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the qualifications of the local government inspector who recently visited County Meath to investigate the need for the erection of more houses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Housing.
Mr. J. Tully
An administrative officer of my Department recently visited County Meath to discuss the question of housing needs with the appropriate local officials and to review the records of the local authorities bearing on the subject. I am satisfied that the officer concerned possesses the qualifications necessary to carry out these duties competently.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the inspector who was sent down to County Meath recently visited houses which had previously been inspected and condemned by a doctor and an engineer, and, since this gentleman possessed neither medical nor engineering experience, will he say what authority he had?
Investigation into the housing needs position in County Meath were carried out by an officer of the housing administration section in the forthnight ended 10th November, 1956. These investigations extend over the entire country, and so far the position has been reviewed in 24 of the 29 county health areas.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary give me an answer to my question as to what experience and qualifications the man had to carry out those inspections and for doing that work?
He is attached to the housing section and has been engaged in this work for a number of years.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say whether this official was sent down from the Department in the same way as a similar official was sent to Mayo for the purpose of slowing up buildings which were being put up by the local authorities?
Would Deputy Moran put down his own questions?
I had the same trouble as you had.
It is all pretence.
Order!
Deputy Hilliard said it is all pretence. Is he entitled to say that?
He is not responsible.
Everybody knows it is a sham battle.
Further arising from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, will he say whether or not the man who carried out the inspection had authority to overrule a decision made by the people who carried out the inspection and condemned houses previously?