asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware, that notwithstanding his recent request to the Dublin County Council to repair the collapsed bedroom window in No. 66 St. Maelruan's Park, Tallaght, County Dublin, the window has not been repaired; and that the room is uninhabitable as a consequence; and if he will have remedial action taken forthwith.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Repair of Tallaght (Dublin) House.
62.
Mr. Ryan
I understand that under the terms of the letting agreement in this case the tenant must keep the windows of the premises in good repair and that, unless this condition is complied with, the housing authority intend to proceed in accordance with the statutory regulations which govern the management and letting of its housing estates.
Mr. Ryan
Arising out of the Minister's reply, the first portion of which was inaudible here, am I to understand the Council propose themselves to repair the window or that they propose to take sanctions against the tenant in respect of this faulty window?
I cannot hear the Deputy.
Mr. Ryan
I want to know are the county council going to repair the defective window, the defects having arisen from the neglect of the county council, or am I to understand from the Minister's reply that the council propose to take sanctions against the tenant?
In view of the fact that the Deputy did not hear the reply, I shall read it again. I understand that under the terms of the letting agreement in this case the tenant must keep the windows of the premises in good repair and that, unless this condition is complied with, the housing authority intend to proceed in accordance with the statutory regulations which govern the management and letting of its housing estates.
Mr. Ryan
Arising out of the Minister's reply, and previous replies in this House, may I remind the Minister of the fact that on previous occasions it has been conceded here that this window fell out when it was left open by an employee of the county council—
The Deputy is not asking a question.
Mr. Ryan
I am asking the Minister to recall that this house was built eight years ago and that the tenant did nothing to the window. Is the Minister aware that, by reason of the bureaucratic indifference of both his Department and the county council, seven unfortunate people have to sleep in the remaining bedroom because this one is unusable? I beg leave to raise this matter on the adjournment. This is a disgraceful example of gross inefficiency and indifference on the part of the Minister and local government in this country.
The Deputy does not know what he is talking about.
Mr. Ryan
He knows he got information from the Minister. Does the Minister know of any other house where the window fell out eight years after it had been built?
Question No. 63.
Mr. Ryan
Are we to understand that the Minister stands over the county council providing a grossly defective house for a person?
(South Tipperary): He would stand over anything.
That is not the question the Deputy had down.
Mr. Ryan
It is the only interpretation that can be put on the Minister's reply.
What interpretation the Deputy puts on it is his business and I will not be responsible for it.
Mr. Ryan
The unfortunate people are sleeping seven in a room.
Question No. 63.