asked the Minister for Local Government if he will hold a public inquiry into the damage caused to a large number of private houses in Parnell Street, Wexford, due to the drainage carried out on this street by Wexford Corporation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wexford Housing Damage.
27.
As the matter is now before the courts, it would not be appropriate for me to make a statement.
Is the Minister aware that there has been a long delay in this matter? Is he further aware that the total amount of damage is estimated at £100,000 and some 30 families are affected by this drainage scheme? No fewer than nine houses are totally boarded up. It is not just good enough for the Minister to give me that sort of answer.
Deputy Allen is being a little melodramatic about this. He knows as much about it as I do. The contractor and the corporation are fully insured. Very high insurance was taken out. There was work done which caused damage, and that was known before work started and that is why such high insurance was taken out. It was known by both the corporation and the contractor. There are 30 houses and 30 plenary summonses being dealt with by the High Court and I am not, therefore, in a position to comment. Deputy Allen should be aware of that.
Fair enough, but this has been going on for a number of years now.
A question, Deputy Allen.
How are people supposed to live in houses totally boarded up?
Would Deputy Allen say what he thinks I can do about it? The matter is before the High Court and decisions must be taken by the High Court. No matter how anxious I am, there is nothing I can do by way of assistance. I cannot ask the High Court to hear the cases earlier than they are ready to hear them.
In other words, the Minister is telling me he will do nothing.
If Deputy Allen wants to interpret it in that way he is perfectly entitled to do so.
I am doing so.
That is entirely a matter for Deputy Allen, not for me.