asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the slowness of the present policy of those charged with the responsibility of providing houses for the people, he will consider the desirability of appointing a Minister for Housing with full powers to deal with the problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision of Houses.
Mr. Byrne
I am satisfied that the housing programme, as planned and operated by the existing central and local authorities, is proceeding with all possible speed. Housing output by local authorities has been more than doubled in the past year, and the number of local-authority houses at present in course of construction is greater than that at any previous period, including the peak pre-war period. The erection of houses by private persons and public utility societies with the aid of State grants has advanced from practically nil returns in April, 1948, to activities now involving disbursements of State grants totalling over £60,000 a month.
The carrying out of the housing programme is dependent on and furthered by ancillary services provided through the Department of Local Government and the local authorities, so that its detachment from the administrative scope of either or both of these organisations would have a retarding rather than an accelerating effect on housing output. It would lead to dispersal of effort, new sources of delay, and unnecessary and expensive duplication of administrative and technical staffs.
I can assure the Deputy that no effort is being spared to increase, so far as possible, the efficiency of the existing organisations, both national and local, which are concerned with the housing of the people. I am satisfied that the maximum progress can be most expeditiously and effectively attained within the framework of these organisations, and that the appointment of a separate Minister for Housing would not accelerate the work of providing houses for the people.
Mr. Byrne
Whilst appreciating all the Taoiseach has said about the desire to speed up output, I would ask him is he aware of the fact that there are at least 25,000 people on the waiting list? Last week 800 of them were declared to be tuberculosis cases; 2,000 are newly-weds and these have not been dealt with at all. My motive in putting down the question is to draw attention to the fact that there are so many thousands waiting who will probably have to wait for another ten years.
The Deputy's purpose should be to elicit information.
I can assure the Deputy that he is not the only Deputy in the City of Dublin and that every Deputy, particularly those connected with the courts, is aware of his own personal knowledge of what has been said.
But they do not advertise themselves like Deputy Byrne.
Mr. Byrne
When Deputy MacEntee was there he neglected the position.
Question No. 3. Deputy Byrne should observe the rules of order.
Deputy Byrne is the best Deputy the people of Dublin ever had.
It is extraordinary that Deputy MacEntee cannot come back to the House without causing trouble.
It is extraordinary that Deputies will not keep order when a Minister is on his feet.