asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the failure of the Dublin County Council to take action to oblige a landlord (details supplied) to restore the water supply to a dwelling from which the supply was cut off six years ago; what steps may be taken by the tenant concerned to obtain a water supply; and if, having regard to the county council's inaction, he will institute legal proceedings or take other action against the council or hold a public inquiry in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Water Supply.
14.
I am not aware of this case. On the basis of the statements made in the question I would have no functions in the matter.
Do we understand the Minister has no function at all where a case arises of a person being deprived of water supplies through the failure of a local authority to use the powers available to them to oblige a property owner to supply water? Surely where a local authority are in wanton and continuous failure to perform their functions the Minister has a function in such a matter?
I exercised that function in the case of two local authorities and I do not think the Deputy agreed with it.
I am now asking the Minister would he investigate the facts of this case and if he finds the facts that I stated in the question are true will he take appropriate action or hold a public inquiry so that the officials concerned, who appear to be acting in an improper manner, may have their misconduct brought to public notice and have disciplinary action taken against them, rather than that they should continue apparently to protect the landlord against an unfortunate, impecunious tenant.
The local authority have the powers to deal with a case like this if they so decide, and it is a matter for the local authority. While the local authority have such functions I cannot take them over.
Is the Minister's attitude that where the local authority are acting improperly——
Does the Deputy want the local authority abolished?
I am asking the Minister to investigate the facts of the case and to take action against the officials responsible.
No. The Minister cannot do that.
He does not intend to give——
It is not a matter for the Minister.
The Minister is washing his hands.
It is a matter for the local authority. The Deputy does not seem to understand the system of local government.
Question No. 15.
The Minister has an obligation——
Would the Deputy allow Questions to continue?
No, he has not. Local democracy.
The Minister is siding with the property owner against an impecunious tenant.