asked the Minister for the Environment the number of times the ad hoc committee on the housing sector of the construction industry have met; the number of times his Minister of State has presided over meetings; the number of personnel from his Department on the committee and the organisations which have been represented on the committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Building Industry Housing Committee.
8.
On 29 January 1980 my Department issued a press release to the effect that an ad hoc committee to deal with factors inhibiting housing development had been established at the request of the Irish Housebuilders' Association. The committee comprises representatives of the association and officials of the Department. Since then the committee have met on four occasions under the chairmanship of Deputy Connolly, Minister of State. The number of departmental officials at the meetings has varied between four and six depending on the agenda.
These meetings have served a useful purpose in helping to resolve particular difficulties relating to housing development. It is not, however, the only or indeed the major forum for contact between the Department and representatives of the building industry.