asked the Minister for Local Government if he has received a request from the Planning and Development Committee of Dublin Corporation asking him to take whatever steps are necessary to stop the demolition of habitable houses; and, if so, what immediate measures he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Demolition of Houses.
29.
I received the request referred to by the Deputy on 13th June, 1968. As I indicated in reply to a question by Deputy Moore on 23rd April last, I intend to introduce legislation dealing with this matter. Considerable progress has been made with the drafting of the necessary legislation since then and I hope to be in a position to introduce it shortly.
Would the Minister consider doing it quickly so that there will be some habitable houses left before further demolition takes place?
It will be done as soon as it is possible to have the legislation drafted.
When?
When the legislation is drafted it will be introduced. It cannot be done until we have the legislation drafted.
The Minister is aware that several questions have been asked during the lifetime of this Dáil about this matter. The Labour Party have been pressing to have this law brought into effect before many habitable houses are condemned. Would the Minister introduce the legislation for which we have been agitating for three years?
I am not aware that the Labour Party have been pressing in regard to this matter.
If the Deputy attended here more often, he would be aware.
Dublin Corporation requested the Minister three months ago to do it. We join the Labour Party in pressing this matter but we have every confidence in the Minister that he will bring it in as soon as possible.
Deputy Moore's question is the only one that I am aware of and the only request I am aware of is from Deputy Moore.
Now that the Minister has heard the plea of his own backbencher, will he do something about this matter?
The Minister must be deaf and blind if what he says is the case.