asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that in the district of Garristown, County Dublin, a woman of over 70 years, with her son, is compelled by reason of the housing shortage to live in a shelter made of sods by the roadside; and whether, in view of the extreme hardship and exceptional nature of this case, he will direct the Commissioner for County Dublin to provide the persons concerned with some form of housing accommodation, even of a temporary nature.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Shelter Dwelling.
I am informed that there is a family consisting of an elderly woman and her son, who is about 48 years of age, living in a shelter by the roadside at Garristown. I am also informed that the family came from Meath about 18 months ago. The Commissioner for County Dublin and the assistance officer have visited the family but up to the present have not been able to offer them suitable accommodation in the district. The housing authority are fully aware of the need of this and other families for housing accommodation and everything is being done to expedite the provision of additional houses. I am sorry I have no power to give the direction which the Deputy suggests.
In view of the very exceptional nature of this case and the extremely difficult circumstances under which these unfortunate people have to live, will the Minister request the Commissioner for County Dublin to provide some form of temporary shelter, wooden or otherwise, for these people?
Mr. Murphy
Subject to the limitation on my powers that I have already pointed out to the Deputy I would be very glad to add my plea to what has already been said by the Deputy in connection with this case, and I hope it may be possible to deal as soon as possible with this case, which, unfortunately, is not the only one in County Dublin.