asked the Minister for Local Government whether he will consult with the Dublin Corporation regarding the desirability and feasibility of having municipal kitchens provided in the poorer areas of the city to enable people to do essential cooking for their families in cases where there is no suitable fuel in the home for this purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Municipal Kitchens.
In pursuance of their powers under Emergency Powers (No. 109) Order, 1941, the Dublin Corporation made a scheme for the supply of cooked meals in the city and put part of the scheme into operation in 1941. Under this arrangement the corporation subsidises food centres. There are 24 of these centres operating at present and I am informed it is proposed to open an additional centre at Crumlin. I am also informed that if and when it becomes necessary the number of meals supplied from the existing centres could be doubled. I have not received any proposal to extend the existing arrangements by establishing municipal kitchens operated directly by the corporation. In addition to the food centres the fuel depôts are still operating in the city from which over 30,000 persons are receiving weekly 1,500 tons of the best fuel at present available, in many cases free, and in others at a nominal charge so that no poor person should be short of suitable fuel in his or her home. In the circumstances I do not think it is necessary to consult with the corporation regarding the provision of municipal kitchens.