asked the Minister for Local Government the present overcrowding limits in single rooms, which Dublin Corporation give as their basis for the allocation of fresh accommodation.
24.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Corporation Housing.
21.
Mr. O'Leary
asked the Minister for Local Government if, having regard to Dublin Corporation's housing programme, he will give an indication as to when he expects that all families of five, four and three will be housed.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 24 together.
I understand that Dublin Corporation are at present rehousing families of five persons in one room or equivalent categories but that they are unable to say at present when the rehousing of this category of applicant will be completed or when the housing of smaller families can be commenced.
Mr. O'Leary
Could the Minister arrange with Dublin Corporation that they will at least make some public statement in regard to their housing programme? Many people have been misled within the past week or two by newspaper reports that gave a totally different impression in regard to the housing programme of Dublin Corporation and believed there was a possibility in the near future of obtaining a house, even people without children.
I do not know how I would be able to arrange for the publication of this sort of accurate information. I presume the newspapers' source of information is the City Hall, whether through officials or councillors, I cannot say, and if these reports prove to be inaccurate, I do not think it is any reflection on the newspaper reporters. Furthermore, I would be surprised if the councillors of the Corporation did not make the people whom they represent fully aware of what is going on.
Would the Minister consider that it would be helpful to citizens seeking accommodation if arrangements could be made to have Dublin Corporation issue regular bulletins via television setting out the position in relation to housing in the city from month to month? Undoubtedly there has been considerable confusion caused by completely inaccurate newspaper reports. Would the Minister consider recommending that, or making what arrangements he can to see that it will be done?
I do not think I have any right to arrange any of these matters, as suggested, even though such suggestions may be good and fair. However, I would say that the suggestion should commend itself to the members of the Dublin Corporation, of whom I believe there are 45. They might consider this at some of their meetings, and if they feel there is cause for concern in this regard, they should take steps to have accurate publication for the benefit of the public.
The Minister says he does not think he has this responsibility. Surely that is not so? Surely he has the ultimate responsibility for the housing situation in the country and it rests with him to take any steps open to him?
The day-to-day operations of Dublin Corporation can scarcely be regarded as my function, and I am sure the people who would least regard it so would be the members of Dublin Corporation.
(Cavan): Could the Minister say how many families consisting of five people are occupying one room in Dublin?
I am afraid I have not got that information.
(Cavan): Would it be correct to say 600 or 700?
Perhaps Deputy Ryan could give the Deputy that information.
(Cavan): I am asking the Minister.
It is 700, and that is why the Minister does not want to make a statement. There are 2,000 families of four in one room. That is why.
Why does the Deputy not tell his colleague and stop whispering?
He knows well but he wants the public to know.
These matters are already on record here.
(Interruptions.)
There is a shameful mess in housing and the Minister is responsible.
The Deputy is not responsible for very much in the Corporation.
22.
Mr. O'Leary
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will give details of the present substandard accommodation in the possession of Dublin Corporation; and what categories of tenants are living in such accommodation.
Detailed information in this matter is not available in my Department. I have asked the Corporation to supply it and I will send it on to the Deputy when it is received.
23.
andMr. Cluskey asked the Minister for Local Government how many houses have been built and handed over to Dublin Corporation in the Coolock and Raheny scheme.
794 houses have been completed and handed over to the Corporation in the Coolock/Kilmore scheme.