asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the widespread public uneasiness in Cork regarding alleged irregularities in respect of the building in Cork of houses with the aid of Government and Cork Corporation funds; and, if so, if he will (a) institute a searching inquiry and (b) consult with the Minister for Justice as to what steps will be taken in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Housing Scheme Allegations.
12.
As regards the first part of the question, while I am aware that a certain amount of publicity has been created about this case I am satisfied that the reply given by the Minister for Justice on 15th March last has allayed any public uneasiness that may have existed.
The rest of the question does not therefore arise.
Arising out of the Minister's terse reply—indeed it might be described as a reply which is disrespectful to the House, to Members seeking information on an alleged scandal that is rife in Cork—could I query the Minister as to the activities of the inspectors of his Department who examined these houses before the grants were paid, what was the nature of their examination and if he has on his file a report from the inspectors that these houses were not built in accordance with specification and that despite that, the State grant was given and subsequently, and as a consequence, the corporation grant as well? Will the Minister answer that?
Certain departures from specification, from normal good building practice, were found in this case and a reduction was made in the grant for the houses and for the scheme.
Could the Minister say to what extent and because of what alleged deficiencies in the houses?
I do not think it appropriate to go into details in this matter in view of the fact that this case is the subject of investigation by the Garda Síochána.
Would the Minister like to inform the House if there is any basis for the allegation that certain influential political intervention came into the matter? Would he like to comment on that aspect of the situation?
The position about this, as Deputy Casey probably knows, is that the question of alleged defectiveness of these houses was raised by the Taoiseach in his capacity as Deputy for Cork city long before Deputy Casey or Deputy Barrett knew anything about it.
I accept that unreservedly.
It is as a result of that that this investigation is taking place.
I accept that, but in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply——
The fact is the Deputy has been asleep all the time.
——I propose, with your permission——
The Deputy woke up too late.
——to raise the subject matter of this question on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy in the course of the afternoon.