asked the Minister for Local Government if he is now in a position to sanction the money needed by Kildare County Council for their proposed new housing schemes for this year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kildare Housing Schemes.
40.
I notified the Council on 2nd April, 1975, that the initial capital allocation for their 1975 local authority housing programme was being increased by £250,000. The position will be further reviewed later in the year, when similar claims made by other housing authorities have been investigated.
Why was there necessity for a second notification in this case as there was in the case of every other county throughout the country? Why were they not advised that this was available initially? Why did it take pressure from Kildare and every county before the second allocation was made?
We are dealing with Kildare County Council only.
The Deputy misunderstands the position completely. From experience we decided that this was the best way to do it and it is working out all right. The Deputy will be glad to know that adequate money for housing is being made available, as it was last year and the year before.
As the Minister is trying to be so helpful, would he tell us what advantage was to be gained by his Department or by a local authority in wasting time endeavouring to get extra money that could have been allocated initially.
Obviously, Deputy Fitzgerald does not know the facts or he would not be asking such questions. If the Deputy would put down a question, perhaps we could have it answered.
The Minister has been bluffing all day.
The Deputy got more money than he was able to spend. The Deputy should not be acting like a child.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.