asked the Minister for Local Government if he will give a clear definition of a recent order made by him in regard to sales of vested local authority houses; and if he is aware of the inconvenience being caused by the delay of local authorities in giving consent to such sales.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sales of Vested Houses.
24.
It is presumed that the Deputy's question relates to a circular letter which was sent to all county councils on the 24th February, 1966, explaining the provisions of the Labourers Act, 1965, and giving guidance on its application in particular types of cases. The text of the circular was circulated with the Official Report of 8th March in reply to question No. 135 of that date. If the Deputy informs me of any particular difficulty which may have arisen in the interpretation of the Act or of the circular, I will be glad to assist him as far as possible.
I am not aware of any general delay in the giving of consent by county councils to sales of vested cottages.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say whether in certain instances the Minister for Local Government has sent a directive to the council that they must get one-third of the sale price into the council fund?
Not to my knowledge.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in some counties the entire sum outstanding must be repaid to council funds?
It depends entirely on the length of time the cottage is vested in the applicant.
Of course it does but the whole principal goes back in some counties.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say if a directive has been sent by the Department to the council?
Not to my knowledge.
That is a matter that would need checking.