asked the Minister for Health the total number of persons male, female and children in Griffith Barracks, Dublin on the most recent date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Griffith Barracks.
24.
I understand that the total number of persons accommodated on 22nd instant was 20, comprising five married women, four single women and 11 children.
Could the Minister say whether any steps have been taken to provide the married women at least with accommodation other than this very substandard accommodation? There are serious emotional problems involved in the separation of husbands and wives. There is also the "broken home" effect on the children to be considered. Perhaps this matter could be dealt with very urgently.
The information I have received is that it is very difficult to arrange the quarters so that married people can be together because of the serious sociological problems involved. In regard to the quality of the accommodation I understand that since the questions on this matter were asked previously the accommodation can be regarded as reasonably satisfactory in comparison with accommodation for soldiers in the barracks. The accommodation is of a reasonable standard now under the circumstances. It has been greatly improved from what it was four or five years ago.
The accommodation for soldiers in any barracks is never reasonable.
There is no question of illness here. This is surely a matter for the Minister for Local Government and not the Minister for Health or the health authority.
We have shared the responsibility. I am replying for the Minister for Local Government to the extent that I am not prepared to disregard or to be opposed to the view which is held that it would be difficult to arrange for married accommodation, under present circumstances, for people who are now staying perhaps a few weeks, or sometimes three to six months. I do not propose to go into it.
Is it not a fact that only five houses are needed to house five families?