asked the Minister for Local Government how many families at present are domiciled in Griffith Barracks, Dublin; and if he will give any indication as to what prospect these families have of securing housing during 1965.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Families in Dublin Barracks.
10.
I am informed that 31 families are at present living in accommodation provided by Dublin Health Authority at Griffith Barracks and that they are being considered for rehousing on the basis of the general housing priorities at present observed by the corporation.
I am not in a position to indicate what prospect individual families have of being rehoused in the current year. The expanded rate of completions in the corporation's schemes, and the progress being achieved on the Ballymun project should ensure an early and material improvement in the general housing position in the city.
Is the Minister aware that some families have been in Griffith Barracks now between 18 months and two years and that, because of the smallness of the number of children, they have no expectation whatsoever of being housed out of the barracks this year? In these circumstances, would the Minister take special steps to ensure that these homeless families are treated as a special priority?
I cannot add to the actual reply I gave to the qeustion. I should like, however, to reiterate that anything I can do, I am doing and shall continue to do, to see that all people who need houses will get them as soon as possible.
Is the Minister aware that the effect of the present regulations is such that a family of husband, wife and two children living in a room in a corporation house will get accommodation perhaps a year before a family of a husband, wife and one child in Griffith Barracks and that some of those may be waiting two or three years?
They are not regulations I apply. They are priorities observed by the corporation.
The Minister dictates the policy.
Why is it necessary that 30 of our neighbours should be living in a disused military barracks at the present time?
I do not think that is a question to which the Deputy expects an answer in the limited time available in this House at Question Time.
I can answer it in a word. It is because we have failed to provide the houses our people need. That is it and it is a shocking admission.
If the Deputy has so much information and is so sure of the facts, why did he ask the question and waste the time of the House?
Because the Minister is paid to answer questions.
Not nonsensical or rhetorical questions.
There is nothing nonsensical about this.