asked the Minister for Local Government if in view of the fact that many more houses are required in Wexford town he will state why building by the Wexford Corporation has reached such a low level.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wexford Housing.
31.
The fall in the number of houses being erected by the Wexford Corporation is due to the fact that the corporation are reaching the end of their building programme. I am informed that schemes already in progress or due to be commenced at an early date, together with casual vacancies arising in existing municipal houses, will be adequate to satisfy the present housing needs of working class families in the borough.
Could the Minister say, according to the last census, how many new houses are required in Wexford town?
According to the figures with which I have been furnished by the local authorities, the corporation and the county council, it would appear that when the houses which are now in process of construction, or for which sanction has been granted, have been completed and occupied, there will be a balance of approximately 55 still required.
Is the Minister aware that there is a virtual slow-down in the erection of the last scheme of houses which he sanctioned, due, I believe, to his interference in insisting that there should be a sub-contract, from the direct labour figure for the building of houses, which was previously accepted by him?
I am not quite sure what the Deputy is trying to get at. If he wants an assurance from me I can assure him very definitely that it is not my wish that there should be a slow-down. If there has been a slow-down, it is not attributable to negotiations or discussions between my Department and the local authority concerned. Further in regard to this matter, if there is at the moment a question of getting tender prices for some works done by direct labour, that is solely due to the history of the high cost of building in that local authority where the direct labour system has been in operation for a number of years.
Is the Minister further aware that the price given by the director of direct labour in Wexford town is £166 cheaper than the nearest tender by a contractor?
I am glad to hear that and trust the figure given by the contractor was not an inflated one and the difference now shown by the director of building in Wexford is not an inflated figure.
Why then does the Minister insist that tenders be invited for the manufacture of, say, doors, door frames and timber work generally?
I am not aware——
I am sure the Minister is not.
I am not aware of that at the moment, but if it is being done, the history of costs has not been so good and I do not know——
I do not accept that.
Likewise to the Deputy's assertion, I do not accept it either.
You, too.