asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that An Uaimh Urban District Council have invited applications for the tenancy of 24 houses in course of erection at rents not exceeding 13/6 weekly for slum clearance applicants and 15/6 weekly for others, together with rates in both cases; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action to enable the council to let the houses at rents which working people can afford.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rents of County Meath Houses.
Mr. Murphy
No proposals regarding the rents to be fixed for houses in the scheme referred to by the Deputy have been submitted for my approval. I understand that, while applications have been invited on the lines indicated, no proposals for the definite fixing of rents have yet been formulated and that the matter will be brought before the urban district council in due course.
Am I to understand from the Minister's reply that he will consider this matter when the proposals are submitted?
Mr. Murphy
The Deputy will understand what the Minister said—that no proposals for rents have yet reached me.
They have appeared in the advertisements. The Minister is aware, I presume, that the houses cannot be let at lower rents to cover the cost of the scheme.
Mr. Murphy
I do not know whether the Deputy has any knowledge of how local authorities do their work. If he had an elementary knowledge of it, he would know that the first step in this matter has to be taken by the local authority.
The first step has been taken.