asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will ascertain whether a labourer's cottage built by the Offaly Board of Health at Ballybrittan, Edenderry, was let to an unmarried applicant in February, 1941, and that the selected tenant has so far failed to occupy same; that another cottage built in the same area was let to another unmarried applicant in April, 1942; and whether he will inquire the reason why two applications made for these two cottages by a married agricultural labourer (C. Swords) with two children were rejected by the board of health concerned, and whether he now proposes to provide suitable housing accommodation for this man.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Labourers' Cottages.
As regards the first part of the question, the facts of the case referred to appear to be as follows:—
In April, 1941, the then Offaly Board of Health considered two applications for a labourer's cottage at Ballybrittain —one from a married man and the other from an unmarried woman. The latter was appointed tenant by the board and the unsuccessful applicant wrote to my Department protesting against the decision. The local authority, in reply to representations made by my Department, submitted a copy of a report by the medical officer of health to the effect that the selected tenant had no housing accommodation and that the other applicant was living with his father-in-law and that his housing accommodation was adequate. Later it was alleged that the cottage had not been occupied. When an inquiry on the matter was addressed to the local authority my Department was informed that the tenant when interviewed stated that her employer wished her to continue her daily work, but that she occupied the cottage at night with her sister. It has recently been ascertained that the county manager is satisfied that the tenant is not living in the cottage and he is taking steps to recover possession thereof.
As regards the cottage referred to in the latter part of the question, it is understood that in April, 1942, there were two applicants for it. One of them, who had a very large family, was appointed tenant. The medical officer of health reported that for health reasons it was vital that housing accommodation be provided for him.
I may add that the responsibility for the provision of housing accommodation for agricultural labourers does not rest upon me, but with the local authority. I am always willing to consider proposals for the erection of cottages where the need is shown to exist.