asked the Minister for Local Government why Dublin Corporation are seeking an eviction order against the occupant of 342 Dolphin House, Rialto, Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Eviction Order.
46.
I am informed by Dublin Corporation that, due to a misunderstanding, the flat in question was let, in error, to the present occupant. The corporation intended to let the flat to a man of the same surname and address as the present occupant but who has a larger family. They explained this to the present occupant immediately afterwards and advised him to return to his former accommodation. As he refused to vacate the flat, recovery proceedings were instituted against him.
I understand that the corporation are prepared to offer him alternative accommodation.
The Minister has been misinformed about this matter by Dublin Corporation. This tenant is a legal tenant of this flat. He was notified by Dublin Corporation one week after he had vacated a room in a tenement house and the keys were handed over to the landlord——
We cannot have a speech on this.
I want to ask the Minister if urgent measures will be taken to reinstate this man in the flat of which he is the legal tenant and which Dublin Corporation asked him to vacate, or to try to get him some other place as he has been homeless? I am asking the Minister to use his influence with the Dublin Corporation, to ask them to forget this matter and to leave this man in the flat of which he is the tenant.
This is a matter for Dublin Corporation.
It is a matter in which the Minister can use his good offices.
If the Deputy thinks that accommodation should not be offered on the basis of need——
That is all nonsense.
If the Deputy thinks that there is anything to be remedied perhaps he will get in touch with some active member of the corporation.
(Interruptions.)
Is the Minister aware that this man has a wife and two children and——
We cannot have a discussion on this matter.
This family at the time consisted of a man, his wife and one child and the family to whom it was intended to give the accommodation consisted of a man, his wife and three children.
Is the Minister aware that this man has two children and that the corporation want to evict him now?
The Deputy should take it up with the appropriate authority. I am not the Dublin Corporation.
You are when it suits you.
(Cavan): I gather from the Minister's reply that this flat was let in error to this tenant who accepted it in good faith and moved into it in good faith and was allowed remain in it for some time. If that is the position, would the Minister not consider it is somewhat cruel and harsh on this tenant to throw him out now and will the Minister not recommend to the Dublin Corporation that in all decency and out of consideration for this man's feelings they should stand over their mistake and leave him there?
I understand that Dublin Corporation are prepared to offer him alternative accommodation.
Is the Minister aware that this man is——
The Deputy cannot make a speech on this matter.
(Interruptions.)
I am not going to do the Deputy's work.
The Minister is not a bit concerned about the matter.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.