asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the lack of recreational facilities, playing pitches, community centres, etc., in newly built housing estates; and if he will ensure that contracts for the building of new estates will contain provision for these facilities as a matter of entitlement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Recreational Facilities.
22.
I am aware that these facilities are inadequate in many housing schemes. Regarding future action, I presume the Deputy has local authority housing schemes in mind since he mentions contracts. Local authorities have been asked to adopt a more progressive attitude in regard to environmental aspects of housing developments and to have action plans prepared for the provision of amenities and community facilities at the same time as the houses. I announced recently my intention to place a new emphasis on the development of the total environment in housing schemes.
In the amenity grants scheme administered by my Department, local authorities are urged to give priority to projects which provide leisure activities and develop the community interests.
I thank the Minister for his reply. Does the Minister agree that there is a singular lack on private housing estates of this type of amenity? For this reason would the Minister consider setting up, in his Department, a section to ensure that this type of development occurs? The Minister, I am sure, will agree that leisure will become one of the most important aspects of human endeavour in the not too distant future but at the moment we do not have adequate provision to deal with this type of situation on the various housing estates throughout the country.
The Deputy is making a statement.
I should like to complete it with your permission, Sir.
A question please.
I intend, with great respect, to come to the end of what your have described as a statement but what I consider to be a question.
The Deputy will conform to Question Time by asking a specific question.
I did not mean when speaking of the necessity for these amenities that they should be confined to Dublin city and county. My question refers to the entire country. Does the Minister agree with my views in this regard?
I am not prepared, at this time, to set up such a committee but I can assure the Deputy that I have this matter under consideration. I have asked local authorities, including the reformed Dublin Corporation, to give active consideration to carrying out exactly what the Deputy has suggested. I hope this will have the desired effect.
I do not want to be contentious about this matter but would the Minister state when he gave the local authorities these instructions?
Very recently. Within the past few weeks. I could not have given it earlier because I am only two months as Minister.
I know that but does the Minister realise that he has only been Minister for two months?
Next question please.
The Minister realises that it was a good job that there was a change of ministry in the past two months.
I should also like to remind the Minister that, as of now, he is in charge of the ruling of this country.
There cannot be questions of this type. The Deputy is abusing Question Time and I must ask him to desist from this practice. The Minister must be allowed to conclude.
I am well aware of my position but the Deputy is not aware, yet, that he is in Opposition.
I am calling Questions No. 23.
The Minister is not carrying his responsibility.
I am carrying my responsibility.
Deputy Andrews will have to desist. Interruptions of this nature are grossly out of order.