asked the Minister for the Environment if he proposes altering the specification for demountable dwellings in view of the damage caused to those dwellings, particularly in coastal areas, during the recent storm.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Demountable Dwellings.
10.
Demountable dwellings are temporary and designed to meet special kinds of housing needs — in particular the accommodation of elderly persons living in areas where a continuing need for the dwellings is not anticipated. In view of the damage caused by recent storms, I am asking local authorities to carry out an urgent review of the present condition of any such dwellings provided by them. I should also say that a special examination of the standards and specifications for demountable dwellings currently in use by local authorities was intitiated by my Department some time ago.
I am pleased to hear that the Minister is having inspections carried out in all local authority areas. I take it that this will be done in the near future. Will the Minister make money available to those counties, especially County Donegal, where much damage has been done to these dwellings, to enable them to be replaced or repaired?
That is an entirley different question.
If the Chair represented County Donegal he would realise the need for some leniency on this question. We are talking about the homes of old people who are unable to speak for themselves or defend themselves.
I could make a reply to that but I will not. It is a separate question.
If you gave the Minister a chance he might answer.
It is my business here not to give people chances to violate the rules.