asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if his Department have undertaken any studies whereby the cost of providing housing in expanded suburban areas can be properly compared with the cost of providing infill housing in existing built-up areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Costs.
2.
The reply is in the negative. The relative costs of central city residential redevelopment and of suburban or "green field" housing are constantly monitored by the Department of the Environment, as part of their normal administration of the local authority housing programme. There is no need, therefore, from the practical viewpoint, for a survey of the type mentioned in the question as the complex factors affecting decisions on the location of housing schemes are well known to the housing authorities concerned and to the Department of the Environment.
Would the Minister undertake to have the question properly answered if he does not have the information now, because without that basic information I suggest that no Government can plan a housing policy? I am amazed that the Minister does not have the information. The question has been down for a long time and I am amazed that there is no answer for it.
I have indicated in reply to the previous question the cost of some housing developments. The question of carrying out special surveys of this kind at this time, I think, does not arise. I have already indicated in supplementary replies to the previous question that of course there will be continuing contact between the Department of the Environment and my Department and that we shall also be reviewing not only this element of the cost of development but other components of the development programme.
I should like to ask if the Minister would extend his contact not just to the Department of the Environment but also to Education, Transport and the other Departments because that is where the cost——
That is the point I made in my previous reply. I said that it was not just a question of housing costs but of all costs entering into the development programme. As I indicated, that is a much more complex matter.
Question No. 3.
May I ask a question?
Why not?
We are on Question No. 3.
There have been only three supplementary questions on a major aspect of national development policy.
Question No. 3. Will Deputy Kelly please co-operate?
I shall co-operate with people who co-operate with me. You are not giving a chance.