asked the Minister for Local Government if he is satisfied with progress to date in solving the itinerant problem; the number of housing authorities that have housed itinerants in the past four years; and the number of housing authorities at present building houses to meet the needs of itinerants and their families.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing of Itinerants.
8.
As I have said on a number of occasions, I feel that the progress made to date by local authorities in providing camping sites for itinerants has been disappointingly slow. I am informed, however, that two local authorities are at present developing sites already in their possession for the use of itinerants, and that a number of other local authorities are in course of negotiating the purchase of land for camping sites.
The information requested by the Deputy in regard to the housing of itinerants is not available in my Department.
Is the Minister not aware that there are over 6,000 itinerants in this country, in the 20th century, with men, women and children living under the open sky? Somebody seems to be dragging their feet. Further, is the fact that they are not being housed not because the majority of local authorities have not enough houses for the people in their counties and, therefore, cannot house itinerants who should have been housed long ago?
I am glad it is such a simple operation as the Deputy thinks.
Would the Minister name the two authorities who are providing the sites?
I have not that information here at the moment.