asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state whether in the allocation of houses to applicants in Dún Laoghaire the recommendations of the county medical officer of health are based on reports submitted by sanitary officers; whether these reports deal solely with the amount of cubic air space and ignore other factors associated with living conditions; whether in determining the application of Mr. Andrew O'Brien, 5 Royal Terrace East, Dún Laoghaire, the conclusion of the county medical officer of health was based on actual or dependent investigation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allocation of Dún Laoghaire Houses.
Mr. Murphy
In connection with the allocation of corporation houses in Dún Laoghaire, I am informed that the recommendations of the chief medical officer are based on inspections carried out personally by that officer. Reports on applications are made in the first instance by health inspectors. These reports do not deal solely with the amount of air space. All relevant factors associated with living conditions are covered. Mr. O'Brien's case, as disclosed in the report of the health inspector, would not bring him into line for consideration in connection with the letting of the houses already provided by the corporation or likely to be ready shortly, and accordingly his circumstances have not yet been inspected personally or reported upon by the chief medical officer.
Is the Minister aware that in this particular case the chief medical officer concerned has already made a decision based on facts which cannot be denied?
Mr. Murphy
I shall undertake to have the case inquired into.