asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that furniture and household goods belonging to persons evicted from dangerous buildings by the Dublin Corporation and stored by the Corporation have been damaged; what steps will be taken to prevent further damage by dampness and cold; and whether compensation will be paid by the Corporation to persons suffering loss by reason of the Corporation's neglect.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Evicted Persons: Damage to Furniture.
29.
Mr. Ryan
I am informed that two small claims have been received by Dublin Corporation for alleged damage to effects stored. While under no obligation to do so, the Corporation provides this storage free of charge to facilitate displaced persons. The Corporation is satisfied that the storage is dry and well ventilated and every precaution is taken to prevent damage but it is not prepared to accept liability for any alleged damage to stored articles.
Mr. Ryan
Is the Minister aware that, in order to entice people out of dangerous buildings, the Corporation assured such people that their furniture and household belongings, including bed linen, would be well looked after in the Corporation stores? About three months ago, the City Manager gave an assurance to the Dublin City Council that heating would be provided in the stores to preserve these household belongings and furniture during the winter months. Notwithstanding the assurance given to the people and the Councillors, serious damage has been done, and even though only two complaints have been recorded so far in the Corporation, many people who have visited the stores and seen the furniture are complaining bitterly that effects which represent their life savings are being destroyed because of the negligent manner in which they are stored by the Corporation.
I am not aware of all the Deputy says, nor am I prepared to admit that the Corporation are, in fact, treating the property of these people in the manner suggested.
Mr. Ryan
Would the Minister send his inspectors to inspect the stores, to satisfy himself whether the stores are suitable for the accommodation of the furniture and bed clothes of those people?
Why does the Deputy not raise that question at the City Council?
Mr. Ryan
The Deputy has raised the matter at the City Council, and received an answer which the facts now show not to be in accordance with the facts.
How could the facts show that they are not in accordance with the facts?
Mr. Ryan
The facts about Dublin ought to be written into another little book, but the green-trousered brigade would not be interested in them.