asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give an assurance that he will maintain, and where possible improve the housing drive in the cities and also maintain, and improve where possible, the standards of construction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Drive.
22.
It is the Government's intention, both as part of their social policies and their programme to revive the building and construction industry, to give positive encouragement to help as many families as possible to own their homes and, at the same time, to maintain the local authority housing programme at a level which is needed to meet the genuine needs of families approved by local authorities for rehousing. In this context particular attention is being given to the cities and other areas where housing needs are most extensive and acute. The Government's aim in both the private and public housing sectors is to ensure a high quality of construction and of environmental standards.
Would the Minister agree to consider the plight of the newly married couple in the city who up to now had access to houses around £7,000, £8,000 and £9,000 who will now be deprived relatively vis-à-vis people who will move out of the city and thereby benefit by the new house grants? In other words, housing mobility within the city is being slowed down.
Surely that is a completely separate question.
Surely it will be increased because of the increased grants and loans. Many people will want to move out to better houses.
Will it not mean choice will be totally restricted because the grants are encouraging people to leave the city and thereby creating an environment hostile to the young family? The grants are encouraging people to get out of the city into areas which have not yet been properly and adequately serviced from the point of view of family life.
Surely it is right to move out if they want to move out.
But should not the person who wants to stay in the city get an equal right constitutionally and financially?
Those who want to stay have got it.
They have not got it.