asked the Minister for Defence if, having regard to the fact that widows of deceased soldiers living in married quarters in Dublin are unable to obtain alternative housing accommodation because of the critical housing shortage, he will cease, in respect of widows who have been refused housing accommodation by Dublin Corporation, the practice of denying them employment until they evacuate such quarters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Widows of Deceased Soldiers.
50.
Mr. Ryan
There is urgent need for the recovery of all overheld quarters in order to cater for the large number of married soldiers seeking accommodation. In the circumstances I regret that I could not agree to do what the Deputy suggests.
Mr. Ryan
Is the Minister aware that this widow applied to Dublin Corporation for housing accommodation for herself and her four young children and has been notified that there is no prospect of housing her for a considerable length of time? Having regard to the fact that this lady has sought alternative accommodation, and was not successful, from the Dublin Corporation would the Minister, in her case, not allow her to take up civil employment with the Department of Defence in order to enable her to provide for herself and her four young children?
I do not think any question of a refusal of employment arises in this case. Only three widows are overholding married quarters in Dublin. There is no information to suggest that this employment difficulty applies in the case of any of them.
Mr. Ryan
Is the Minister aware that it is the rule of his Department, in connection with civilian employment in his Department, that a civilian who is occupying married quarters will not be engaged until such person vacates the married quarters? Therefore, there is no point in the widow's applying for a job because she will not get it so long as she is in married quarters.
The Deputy has stated the rule correctly.
Mr. Ryan
Surely it is open to the Minister to amend the rule, or not to apply it, in a serious case of hardship such as exists in this instance?
Is the Deputy suggesting that a request for employment in this case has been made?
Mr. Ryan
No. There is little point in her doing so if the Minister will apply the rule. The Secretary of the Minister's Department told me that that rule will be applied. If the Minister gives any indication that an exemption will be given, I am sure she will apply.
We shall deal with that when it arises.