asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that a large number of housing applicants for council cottages in County Dublin are living in rooms in council houses; and that they have been refused new houses because they will not qualify for the two-thirds subsidy; and, if so, if he will take steps to restore the subsidy to these people.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Council Cottage Applicants.
19.
I have previously stated in reply to Questions on this subject that housing authorities are not precluded from rehousing families who are sub-tenants of local authority dwellings. The higher rate of subsidy is made available specifically in association with the statutory operation of a housing authority such as the demolition, closure or repair of unfit dwellings, the relief of over-crowding where action is taken by the authority to prevent a recurrence of overcrowding, and also in respect of rehousing on medical or compassionate grounds. I have also stated that to enable me to consider whether any change in the present subsidy structure is justified or is desirable, housing authorities should complete the detailed survey of unfit housing which I requested some 18 months ago and which, indeed, housing authorities should carry out without any formal request from me. In the meantime, it is open to housing authorities, including Dublin county council, to avail themselves of the normal rate of subsidy towards rehousing persons of the category to which the Deputy refers.
Am I to take it that where there is over-crowding in a county council house, the Minister is prepared to pay the two-thirds subsidy? In one case in County Dublin we have seven people living in a room measuring 9 ft. by 10 ft. They were not housed six months ago because they were not eligible for the subsidy. Are we to take it the subsidy will be paid in cases of that kind in the future?
These cases can be considered or reconsidered at any time, but I would also say that in respect of a case already considered and decided, there is no change in the policy of the Department.
It means, therefore, that any person who occupies a local authority house cannot be re-housed in a new local authority house or, if he is re-housed, the two-thirds subsidy will not apply? That is the present position and there is no change in that?
No.
I would ask the Minister to consider specifically the position in County Dublin. Ours is a highly industrialised area and the position has got out of control. It is almost impossible for the local authority to allot houses because of the two-thirds subsidy rule. In view of the very bad circumstances existing in County Dublin, would the Minister consider restoring the two-thirds subsidy in the near future? I do not think any other county is in such a bad position.
I should like to disabuse the mind of the Deputy or the minds of any other Deputies who might think likewise. There is no question of restoring anything because nothing has been taken away. In regard to the question of a change I would say, as I have said repeatedly before, that this depends upon the result of the survey of unfit houses, which for the last 18 months I have been asking local authorities to complete. Not until that is done will I be in a position to consider whether or not a change is necessary or desirable. If they would get on with their surveys we would be able to consider the matter more quickly and it would be better than talking about it here.
When were the local authorities asked to commence that survey?
Eighteen months ago and I have reminded them on several occasions since.
None of them has sent in the results?
Some of them have, but not enough of them.
Will the Minister promise that when he gets this survey he will consider the change suggested by Deputy Burke?
I will consider not only that change but any other suggestions that have been made. However, Deputies will realise that it is not possible to give full consideration to the remedying of defects until we know the full extent of the position in regard to unfit houses throughout the country. To act without that knowledge would be like taking a step in the dark.
We will put down a few questions in respect of the local authorities next week and try to buck them up.