asked the Minister for Local Government whether his attention has been drawn to reports of an inquest held in Dromod, County Leitrim, on the death of a man who had been buried under the debris of his house, which was in such a bad condition that it had collapsed; whether he has noted the remarks of the coroner on the occasion with regard to the fact that this was not the first occurrence of the kind in the neighbourhood, and with regard to the necessity of remedying the situation whereby persons were living in accommodation of such a low standard that such tragedies occurred; and whether, in view of the fact that persons in such circumstances would receive grants from the Government and the local authority totalling not more than £500 whereas the provision of a new house would cost at least £1,600, he will take immediate steps to ensure that persons living in such dwellings will have further provision made for them for rehousing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Leitrim House Collapse.
I have seen the press reports of this tragedy. Apart from the financial facilities available for the provision of new private houses, to which the Deputy refers, there are substantial facilities available to encourage people to improve and reconstruct their houses and, since the passage of the Housing (Loans and Grants) Act, 1962, to enable occupants or housing authorities to carry out essential repairs in certain circumstances at little or no cost to the occupiers. Where none of these facilities for the provision of new houses or the repair of existing houses are appropriate, housing authorities have found it possible to avail of their powers to provide new houses, with the aid of State subsidies, for small holders who in the opinion of the authority, could not rehouse themselves.
I deeply regret the occurrence of a tragedy of this kind. I am satisfied, however, from my official contacts with housing authorities and also with persons who avail themselves of State and local grants, that the present character and range of housing legislation provide all the important incentives and powers necessary to forestall any recurrence of similar tragedies. At the same time, I am always willing to examine any suggestions which may be put forward to me to secure the elimination of the existing unfit housing conditions throughout the country.
Is the Minister aware that in this case somebody wanted to fix the house for this man and that this man died worth over £3,000 in cash?