asked the Minister for Local Government the capital expenditure of the Dublin Corporation under the Housing of the Working Classes Act in the year ended 31st March, 1962, and the estimated amount for the current year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Housing.
35.
Capital expenditure of Dublin Corporation under the Housing of the Working Classes Acts was £1,238,616 in 1961/62 and is estimated at £1,630,000 for the year 1962/63.
36.
asked the Minister for Local Government (a) the number of houses and flats provided by the Dublin Corporation in the financial year 1961-62, and (b) the estimated number that will be provided in this financial year.
The Dublin Corporation provided 392 dwellings in the financial year 1961-62.
I have no firm estimate of the number of dwellings the Corporation expect to complete in the present financial year. However, they had completed 569 dwellings in the 10 months to 31st January, 1963 and at that date had 740 dwellings under construction.
Is the Minister aware of the conditions obtaining in Dublin at present where it is quite impossible to get a house for a family in Dublin, unless they can demonstrate they are in a condemned house and, I think, have a family in excess of four?
Is the Minister satisfied that the figures he has given represent a reasonable effort by this local authority to solve this large and growing problem?
I would much prefer if the figures were double what they are, but there is nothing I can do. I have helped in every way possible, but Dublin Corporation and other corporations have had difficulty in framing their programmes. We all know it is impossible to turn around, change your organisation and get into the production of houses when you have been practically out of production. That is the position. I cannot do anything further about it. We provide every assistance. I have appealed for more houses. Further than that I cannot go.
Mr. Ryan
Why did you slow up in the first instance?
The Deputy has just arrived. He should not be codding himself.
Mr. Ryan
Would the Minister please explain why Fianna Fáil reduced the housing programme in Dublin from 1,600 houses per year to 200 per year and increased the number on the waiting list from 4,000 to 9,500?
I will gladly explain that to the House, but not in the terms in which the Deputy put the question. I am not going to explain how Fianna Fáil did what the Deputy alleges they did. I will explain how it came about that the numbers fell. They fell by the hand of the last Coalition Government.
(Interruptions.)
Seven years ago.
Mr. Ryan
Is the Minister for Local Government aware——
I have the floor and I insist on replying to the Deputy's supplementary.
Deputy Ryan will please resume his seat.
And the Minister.
The Deputy will not tell me how to conduct the business of the House. Question No. 37.
A house for every applicant was the Fianna Fáil policy.
If Deputy Flanagan insists on interrupting, I shall name him to the House. Question No. 37.