asked the Minister for Local Government what are the regulations governing the allocation of local authority housing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Housing Allocations.
13.
Tenancies of local authority dwellings must be allocated in accordance with a scheme of letting priorities which the housing authority is required to make under section 60 of the Housing Act, 1966. The scheme must be approved by me and may be reviewed from time to time by the authority. In making or amending a scheme the housing authority is required to have regard to the following primary objectives:—
(a) the repair, closure or demolition of houses which are unfit in any respect for human habitation;
(b) the elimination of overcrowding;
(c) the provision of adequate and suitable accommodation for persons, including elderly or disabled persons, who, in the opinion of the housing authority, are in need of and are unable to provide such accommodation from their own resources;
(d) the provision of adequate and suitable housing accommodation for persons suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis.
May I ask the Minister if this is the scheme for letting in its entirety and, if not, perhaps he might be kind enough to let me have a copy of the scheme proper?
There is not any one single scheme. Local authorities are required to have regard to these objectives in drawing up the scheme but it is they who draw it up and the scheme must be sanctioned by me.
May I ask the Minister if he has a points system for the allocation of houses?
Local authorities are at liberty to adopt a points system.
Have you any guidelines for this?
Yes.
Is this an attempt to have uniformity throughout the country in the regulations and the number of points allocated?
No. The principles of local government are being adhered to and it is left to local authorities to decide for themselves, but in drawing up the scheme they must have regard to these objectives.
One would have thought the Minister would have some function in trying to ensure uniformity?
Well, the Minister could decide to take over local government.
If the Minister built more houses this would not arise, but he has not done so.
The Minister respects the principle of local democracy.
You do not, there is no corporation in Dublin.
It is not my fault that there is no city council.
Will you have new elections?
When the time comes.
In relation to Deputy Treacy's question, the Minister has asked for a report on this matter in Letterkenny. Could the Minister say whether first information suggests that the local authority have acted totally at variance with these regulations he has read out?
This question does not refer to Letterkenny. The complaints made to me, if they are correct, would indicate that these objectives have not been adhered to.
What action has the Minister taken?
I have dealt with that.
What complaints has the Minister received?
I have received complaints from public representatives.
From Fianna Fáil representatives.
The matter has now been aired by Deputy Treacy.
I indicated in reply to the question that I had already received complaints in regard to the allegations made about these houses.
Were the allegations made in the "Golden Grill"?
No, but the complaints might have come from there.