asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state whether he has received a number of complaints from and on behalf of deserving applicants for labourers' cottages in Laoighis and Offaly that they have been unfairly treated; and, if so, whether such complaints have been investigated by his Department, whether he is aware that the county manager ignores the recommendations of area councillors in such matters and whether he will review the existing regulations so as to allow area councillors to have some responsibility in deciding such cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laoighis-Offaly Cottages.
I have received some complaints concerning the letting of labourers' cottages in Counties Laoighis and Offaly. These complaints have been carefully investigated by one of my inspectors whose reports indicate that the lettings have, on the facts available, been made in accordance with the requirements of the Housing Acts and regulations. In the course of his investigations the inspector ascertained that one cottage at Cokery, Edenderry, was let to an applicant who gave inaccurate information regarding her previous place of residence. This case is being taken up with the manager.
The suggested extension of the functions of the local councillors could not legally be achieved by an amendment of the regulations, but the matter is the subject of an amendment which I have put down for consideration on the next stage of the Local Government (County Administration) Bill, 1950.
Will the Minister say whether it is in strict accordance with the letting regulations for a county manager to let a house to an unmarried lady, without advertising it, in a town where there is acute congestion?
Would the Minister consider that an applicant residing with his wife in a reconstructed tram should get special consideration?
I could not, offhand, decide cases on the statements of the Deputies. Regulations are laid down to be conformed with, on the advice of the medical officer, by the county manager.
Would the Minister say emphatically, one way or the other, whether it is in strict accordance with letting regulations for a county manager, on the advice of the medical officer, to let a house, without advertising it, to a single lady, when there are married men——
The Deputy is only repeating a supplementary question.
I should like to have particulars of the case referred to by the Deputy.