asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider the payment of the highest rate of subsidy for the erection of houses in cases contemplated for engaged couples and newly-weds and in cases where married couples are living with their in-laws in local authority houses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Subsidy Rates.
17.
The object of present subsidy policy is to secure that families living in unfit or unhealthy houses will have a prior claim on the attention of the housing authority. To encourage this approach, the higher rate of subsidy is made available specifically in association with the statutory operations of the housing authority such as the demolition, closure or repair of unfit dwellings, the relief of overcrowding and rehousing on medical or compassionate grounds. As I indicated in reply to previous questions, the present subsidy structure is being examined with a view to establishing whether any changes are justifiable, but I can give no indication at this stage what the final outcome of this review will be. In the meantime, it is open to housing authorities to avail themselves of the normal rate of subsidy towards rehousing persons of the categories referred to by the Deputy, but I would stress that housing authorities are expected to encourage persons of these categories to rehouse themselves by making available to the fullest extent the grant and loan facilities and developed sites authorised under the Housing Acts.
Is the Minister aware that many of those sub-tenants of local authority houses have to seek shelter under their parents' roofs because of the non-availability of decent houses and that it seems to be running counter to what we want to do to prevent grants being made available to those people?
Subsidies are available but not at the higher rate. As I have indicated the whole question is under examination.
I think it should be borne in mind.
Is the Minister aware that overcrowding in many cases is much worse in the case of local authority houses where the relatives are living with the tenants?
Of course it is illegal to have them.
It would be more illegal if they were out on the road.
There is no alternative.