asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the number of inspectors at present employed on housing grants work in County Cork; further, if he is satisfied that the present number of inspectors is adequate to deal with the work.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Housing Inspectors.
There are at present three inspectors engaged in Cork County on the inspection of houses the subject of applications for grants under the Housing Acts. I am satisfied that this number of inspectors is adequate to deal with the work at present arising in the area.
Is the Minister aware that for some time past it has been the experience in Cork that the reverse is the position? Is he further aware that, owing to the death of an inspector some time ago, a large volume of work was left on the shoulders of one inspector who has an enormous part of the county to cover? Is he satisfied that people must wait such a long time to have these claims dealt with, not through the fault of the inspector but through the delaying action of the Department? Is the Minister satisfied with this system?
In regard to the former part of the Deputy's question. I am aware that one inspector is assigned permanently to Cork County and, owing to the volume of applications, a second inspector was appointed on 8th March, 1954, but, on reviewing the position, I assigned a third inspector to the area on the 6th of this month. I presume these three gentlemen will be sufficient to bring the arrears up to date.