To ask the Minister for Local Government if he will consider the question of introducing legislation to exempt from taxation and rates for ten years all new houses that may be built by private builders, within the next two years; or if he will make a grant to builders towards the erection of houses for citizens of Dublin now in urgent need of proper housing accommodation; further, if he is aware that there is an immediate demand for 20,000 houses in the City of Dublin and that the only effort being made to meet that demand is 500 houses per year being built by the Dublin Corporation; also if he is aware that many private builders are anxious to build if assistance is granted.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - RATES ON NEW HOUSES.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the proposal will not be considered unless it becomes evident that local authorities advocate a policy of remitting rates in such cases. The need of Dublin for new houses is fully recognised. The Corporation have at present in various stages schemes involving the erection of 2,000 new houses and the work is being pushed forward as expeditiously as possible. The number of houses erected in Dublin by other agencies with State aid has been relatively small compared with the activities of private builders in other towns. The question of continuing grants to private builders for a further limited time will be considered.
May I ask if the Minister is aware that the first half of the question is looked upon with favour by the Housing Committee of the Dublin Corporation, and that it is only a matter of legislation to give private individuals the same concessions as private utility societies. May I say that any six individuals can form a public utility society and can get these concessions?
No reply was given.