asked the Minister for Health the number of families in Dublin city accommodated in emergency accommodation in the first and second halves of 1970 and in the first half of 1971.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Housing Accommodation.
15.
I presume the Deputy has in mind the accommodation provided by the Eastern Health Board and formerly by Dublin Health Authority at Griffith Barracks, Dublin. This accommodation is of the dormitory type and is not intended for the accommodation of entire family units. It is used to accommodate, on a temporary basis, mothers and children in need of shelter.
In the first half of 1970, 66 families availed themselves of these facilities for varying periods and in the second half of the year, 99. In the first half of 1971, the number was 109.
In the first half of this year there has been an increase of two-thirds in the number of families being accommodated in these barracks. Has the Minister reconciled his description of the people accommodated as families with his statement that the accommodation is not intended to accommodate family units?
It is meant to be of a temporary character. Questions have been answered before in the House about the length of time that people remain in this accommodation. The matter is one for Dublin Corporation and for the housing authorities. The health board take care of the people only when they are in Griffith Barracks but they have no responsibility for housing.
Is the Minister concerned by the increase of two-thirds and does he consider the accommodation to be adequate?
Question No. 16.