asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the Dún Laoghaire Corporation are anxious to provide bathrooms in corporation houses, including those at St. Vincent's Park, Blackrock; and, if so, if he will introduce amending legislation for the purpose of enabling grants to be made available to local authorities carrying out such improvement works.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grants for Bathrooms in Corporation Houses.
76.
I am so aware. In this connection I would refer the Deputy to the recent White Paper "Housing— Progress and Prospects"—which indicates that provision is being made in the new Housing Bill for the payment of grants to housing authorities for works of this nature.
Would it be in order for the local authority to proceed in advance of the legislation?
That would be more a question the Minister might ask the Opposition than one the Opposition might ask the Minister.
Could the Minister say when he proposes to introduce the Housing Bill?
I have introduced it but its circulation is the problem. It is quite a comprehensive measure, as Deputies probably understand. Apart from this new provision, there is consolidation of the various Housing Acts and amending Acts.
Is there any hope of its getting a Second Reading this session?
Yes, if I am given the opportunity by the House, but it is out of my hands at the moment.