asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the progress of building operations is being hampered by the limited supply of Irish tiles and slates in relation to the increasing demand; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to expedite the roofing and completion of houses; further, if he will consider making housing grants available to houses finished with imported tiles and slates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Tiles and Slates.
Mr. Murphy
I am not aware that the progress of building operations is being seriously hampered by a shortage of Irish tiles and slates and I see no reason at present to modify the existing requirement that Irish roofing material should be used to the fullest possible extent.
Is the Minister aware that there is a waiting list, with various suppliers for tiles and slates, of persons who have succeeded in constructing houses to the wall plate and who have then to wait for tiles and slates to roof the houses?
Mr. Murphy
No, my information is derived from a statement received from the branch of the Department of Industry and Commerce dealing with problems of this kind and that statement indicates that the Department are satisfied that the supply of Irish tiles and slates is reasonably adequate for the needs of the building trade and that such local shortages as occur are due merely to local problems of delivery rather than of supply.
Is the Minister aware that it is absolutely impossible to obtain asbestos slates at the present time?
Mr. Murphy
No. I am not in a position to give any further information on this question beyond what I have given, but I shall undertake to make further inquiries into the matter.