asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that housing conditions in County Dublin are acute and that a number of men with moderate means would build their own houses if they could get sites at a reasonable rent; and, if so, whether he will consider recommending the Dublin County Council to acquire land for building sites on the same conditions as the Dublin Corporation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Housing Conditions.
Mr. Murphy
I am aware that there is an urgent need for houses in County Dublin, and I have no doubt that there are persons in the area wishing to build houses for themselves, who are handicapped by difficulties in obtaining sites. The course of action suggested by the Deputy for assisting such people is not being overlooked. The county council decided some time ago that in the preparation of future housing schemes consideration will be given to the provision of sites for sale or leasing to public utility societies and individuals who come within the definition of "agricultural labourer" for the purposes of the Labourers Acts.
Could the Minister indicate whether he will advise the council to take this step towards acquiring land for the purpose indicated in the question?
Mr. Murphy
I have advised all the local authorities, as far as I possibly could, to acquire land for the purpose of schemes that they contemplate, and also, as far as possible, for the provision of sites for individuals to enable them to erect their own houses.
Is the Minister aware that the present system of compulsory land acquisition is responsible for the greater part of the delay in this matter? Is there any possibility that steps will be taken in the near future to speed up compulsory acquisition of land, the present system being unwieldy and unsatisfactory?
Mr. Murphy
Every possible step that can be taken, consistent with the procedure required by law, has been and will be taken to speed up the acquisition of land for housing purposes. There are certain statutory or legal requirements which I am not able to overcome as the law stands at present. The question as to how far the procedure might be shortened is a matter that is receiving consideration at the present time.
Is the Minister considering bringing in a Bill to amend the law?
Mr. Murphy
I can only do that when I am armed with definite proposals to bring to the House. The Deputy, as a legal man, is quite well aware that it is not a matter of a short time to get these proposals ready.
Is the Minister aware that in County Dublin there has not been one site acquired except by agreement since he took over the Department?
Mr. Murphy
I am very happy to know that there has been considerable acceleration of housing in County Dublin and I have had public testimony to that fact from representatives of various interests in the county during the past few months.
Question No. 49.
Is the Minister aware that no houses have been built in County Dublin except those that had been already arranged for by the previous Government?
The Deputy may not shout down the Chair without consequences he will not like. Question No. 49.