Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Feb 1990

Vol. 396 No. 4

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Housing.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

2 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to a recent publication Housing Moving into Crisis published by the National Campaign for the Homeless and the Combat Poverty Agency; if he agrees with its analysis and conclusions; if in light of the massive reduction in local authority house completions on the one hand and increasing numbers on the housing lists on the other, he accepts that there is cause for real concern; the steps he proposes to take and-or initiate to respond to the housing problems of local authorities and homeless persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

I am aware of the publication which is basically a collection of papers given at a conference in December, 1988, not all of which are directly related to housing. The material in the papers predates the Government decision to substantially increase the allocation for the provision of local authority housing in 1990 and increased allocations for voluntary housing accommodation and the recoupment of local authority expenditure in connection with accommodation for homeless persons. These increased resources show the Government's concern to tackle social housing needs on a broad front. In addition, as I have previously indicated in the House, I also propose to review the operation of the provisions of the Housing Act, 1988 dealing with homeless persons during 1990 and I will have regard to the views of housing authorities and relevant organisations including those responsible for the publication.

Mr. Doyle

A Cheann Comhairle——

An Ceann Comhairle

I am sorry I cannot entertain the Deputy. Questions at this stage are confined to the Deputies who put down the question. The relevant Deputy is not present. I am proceeding to another question.