Vol. 336 No. 3
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider withdrawing the memorandum dated 21 April to local authorities in relation to the procedures to be followed and standards to be applied in providing local authority dwellings as the procedures and standards set out in the memorandum will result in a serious deterioration in the standard of such dwellings.
20.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider withdrawing the memorandum dated 21 April which was issued to local authorities in relation to the procedure to be followed with regard to the building of local authority housing because of the unnecessary delays that would be caused by implementing the details of the memorandum.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.
The memorandum referred to, which was issued by my Department on 21 April 1982 to each housing authority and the National Building Agency, merely reiterates in detail for their convenience existing standards and guidelines which were contained in a number of circular letters which issued to local authorities over several years. It will not lead to any diminution in the Department's existing high standards for local authority housing schemes or to any unnecessary delays with regard to their construction.
I am sure the Minister must be joking. The memorandum sent to local authorities——
A question, please.
Is the Minister aware that the memorandum to local authorities has resulted in much disquiet among members of local authorities who are very worried about future maintenance programmes and the cost involved? What financial allocations will the Minister give to local authorities to pursue maintenance programmes?
The memorandum came before me; I approved it and sent it to the Minister for his approval before it was issued to local authorities. I stand over that memorandum which is designed to set standards throughout the country. I want to cut out such things as fancy verandahs because there is a limit to the money available.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Will it bring about low standards in high offices?
With me it is all high standard stuff.
Is the Minister aware that there is a clause in the memorandum stating that local authorities must get the sanction of the Department, even for a remote rural cottage? The site would first have to be approved by the Department's inspector and plans would have to be sanctioned. This delaying process would retard the local authority programme out of all proportion.
Part of that supplementary does not arise under the question. I am trying to establish broad guidelines throughout the country. I want to see the erection of good houses. I assure the House that I have not received from any corporation or county council a letter saying they are not happy with the memorandum. They write only seeking more money for further building.
Clearly spelled out in my question—
A question, please.
The Minister pointed out that the question was not asked but my question certainly deals with procedure with regard to buildings. Is the Minister aware that the local authorities must go to the Department, in other words, that the Department are usurping the powers of local authorities? Is the Minister aware that if a cottage were to be built in a remote area between Cloughan and Shannonbridge in his own constituency, Offaly County Council would have to seek sanction from the Department? That is clearly spelled out in the memorandum. Is the Minister aware of it and does he approve of it? Roscommon County Council have sent a resolution to the Minister asking him to withdraw that memorandum.
I did not see such a resolution and I did not receive any complaints from members. It is the Government's intention to build houses of a high standard.
When?
The Deputy will be very glad that I have provided the money to build houses in his area, something which he failed to do. He cannot have his loaf and eat it.
Does the Deputy want to present the keys?
Is the Minister telling the House that he is standing over the directive to local authorities that they should avoid building houses for old people?
I did not say anything like that.
It is in the memorandum.
The memorandum sent out by my Department was to clarify procedures. With the money at my disposal I want to build all the houses I can but I have been asked how in some parts of the country fancy railings and bricks can be used.
I am talking about old people, not fancy railings.
The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.
On Tuesday last I referred to the fact that I thought Deputy Quinn appeared on pirate or illegal radio. I have determined that he has not done so and I wish to apologise to him. I find it quite obnoxious to see a question to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs asking what action he intends to take to enforce the law in regard to illegal broadcasting. The question has been put down by Deputy Nuala Fennell who has been heard almost constantly on illegal radio.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Is this in order?
No, it is not in order. I am surprised at the Deputy abusing the order of the House.
He is apologising for his earlier smear and starting another one.
There is the question.
That is a nice apology. The Deputy ought to be ashamed of himself.
Will the Deputy please resume his seat?
On a point of information, what redress has a Deputy when he receives a written reply to a question and the answer is totally at variance with fact? I refer to Question No. 1030 to the Minister for the Environment for answer on Tuesday, 15 June.
The Deputy can seek to raise it on the Adjournment if he is dissatisfied with the reply.
Some members seem to treat the matter lightly.
Deputy Bellew is asking a question. You attempted to stop him last week also.
In deference to the House, I put down written questions. I do not put down oral questions to waste the time of the House. I am entitled to the same right as any Deputy.
The Deputy can seek to raise it on the Adjournment. Does the Deputy wish to do that?
Yes.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
(Cavan-Monaghan): The Deputy can raise it at a party meeting.
We should be courteous to each other.
It is a civil service matter, not a political one.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Do not blame civil servants.
I will blame civil servants, unhesitatingly. I blame them.
I wish to raise a matter on the Adjournment, which is the question of the closure of the day care centre in my constituency.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
In view of the unsatisfactory reply given to Question No. 20 and the horrifying indication by the Minister that he was standing by the memorandum, I wish to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
