asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the delays sometimes extending to years in the repair of council cottages; and whether he will make better financial facilities available to avoid such delays if they are due to shortage of funds.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Repair of Council Cottages.
19.
I am aware that in some areas there is a considerable number of cottages awaiting repair. Expenditure on cottage repairs is normally a revenue charge. In exceptional circumstances loans are sanctioned for repairs prior to vesting. The extent of the repairs carried out each year is governed by many factors including shortages of repair contractors and technical staff and by the amount of money provided in the annual estimate. While I have on a number of occasions asked housing authorities to make adequate provision in their estimates for repairs the decision as to the amount to be provided must rest with them.
Does the Minister consider there is anything he could reasonably do to expedite these repairs?
I should like to say that the Wexford County Council raise money by loans as well as from revenue for the repair of council houses. They have done so during the past four years.
Would the Minister like to answer my supplementary question? Is there anything he can reasonably do to expedite repairs of cottages in Wexford and in other parts of the country?
I do not think there is anything I could reasonably do to expedite repairs.
Does the Minister think it reasonable that cottiers should have to wait sometimes two or three years to have their cottages repaired?
It would depend entirely on the circumstances in particular cases.
And on the amount of money the council are prepared to give.
And other factors.
20.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that repairs for cottage purchase were carried out by the North Cork Housing Authority of the Cork County Council on the cottage of Mrs. Healy, Beeing, Mallow, County Cork; that the applicant appealed; and that an inspector of his Department certified the repairs; if he has yet carried out an investigation into this case; and, if so, if he will state the result; and if the investigation is not completed when the result will be available.
I am informed that, while the cottage to which the Deputy refers has been extensively repaired, it has not yet been vested. No appeal has been made to me in this case and none can be made until the cottage is vested. There is no record of any inspection or report on the matter having been made by an inspector of my Department.