asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the rents of the new council cottages in County Dublin are excessive; and, if so, whether he will take steps to secure a reduction therein.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rents of Council Cottages.
I am not so aware. I understand, however, that the housing committee of the county council will shortly consider a scheme of rents graded according to ability to pay.
Is the Minister aware that these rents will show an increase of about 200 per cent. on the normal rents of, say, a few years ago? Does the Minister think that these unfortunate people will always be in a position to pay these rents even when some of them are only in casual employment? Will the Minister not consider increasing the amounts of subsidies on the building of houses so that the people will be able to get them at a lower rent?
What about an economic rent?
The economic rent would be too high.
We build the houses.