asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the taking over by central government of the cost of maintaining local authority houses, he is laying down standards for each local authority; and if he will ensure that these standards are acceptable to all local authorities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Houses.
4.
Local authorities are under a legal obligation to ensure that dwellings let by them are maintained in good tenantable condition and repair. This statutory requirement predated the decision, taken in March, 1973, to transfer on a phased basis from the rates to the Exchequer the net loss on local authority housing provided for letting. I do not consider that there is a need for setting standards along the lines suggested by the Deputy.
In view of the anxiety felt by many people living in local authority houses who, through no fault of their own, find themselves unemployed at the moment, will the Minister clarify the question of the clawback announced by the Minister for Finance in the budget with regard to differential rents to be paid by those who find themselves unemployed and living in local authority houses?
That is a separate matter.
If Deputy Burke puts down a question, I will be glad to answer it.
It relates to local authority houses.