asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he has received representations regarding the case of Mr. Michael Coyne, Chapel Street, Tullamore, Offaly, who at present resides, at Chapel Street, with his wife and five young children in a condemned one-room house, in which there is no sanitary accommodation; if he is aware that Mr. Coyne has, on at least five occasions, applied to the Tullamore Urban District Council for the tenancy of vacant houses, but without success; if he will cause inquiries to be made into the circumstances in which Mr. Coyne has not been granted a tenancy of a council house, having regard to his present living conditions; and further, if he will obtain a report from the county medical officer of health on the condition of Mr. Coyne's present residence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing of Tullamore Family.
I understand that in 1940 Mr. Coyne took forcible possession of the house in which he now is and from which the previous tenant had been removed. This house is the subject of a demolition order and he pays no rent for it. At the time that he took possession he was living with his family in two rooms in a council house. The local authority has informed Mr. Coyne that it will not consider his application for a tenancy of a council house so long as he continues in occupation of a house contrary to the terms of the demolition order made in respect of it. If Mr. Coyne vacates the premises of which he took forcible possession, his application will be considered on its merits whenever a council house becomes vacant.
Is the Minister aware that this man with his wife and family has no alternative accommodation except the county home, and that he finds that by going to the county home, his application for a house would not be considered because he would not be residing in a condemned house? Has the Minister received a report from the medical officer of health concerning this man's present housing accommodation?
I have given the Deputy all the information I have in my possession in regard to this matter.
May I give notice of my intention to raise this matter on the adjournment, because I am not satisfied with the Minister's reply?