asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the Dublin County Council have failed to procure a sufficient number of sites for council cottages which are urgently needed to house families in bad homes; and, if so, if he will have expedited the acquisition of such sites.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Council Cottage Sites.
I am not aware that the Dublin County Council have failed to procure a sufficient number of sites for council cottages. The council have built or are building, 1,103 houses while they have accepted or invited tenders for a further 112 houses. In addition, the council have on hands sites for about 600 houses, and have prepared proposals for the acquisition of a further 100 sites. The council's immediate programme thus makes provision for about 75 per cent. of the housing needs of the county, which are estimated at 2,500 houses.
I have no doubt whatever that the council not only in relation to building operations but also in connection with acquisition of sites will continue to show the vigour and foresight which have characterised their housing activities to date.
Is the Minister aware that the 1,103 houses he has quoted in his reply were already arranged by Fianna Fáil?
By Mrs. 'Arris.
Would the Minister for Agriculture please allow me to speak? I did not interrupt him when he was speaking. Are we to get no protection from scurrilous Ministers who want to make a personal attack on Deputies? Is the Minister for Local Government further aware that I cannot deal with his reply to me by supplementary question? With your permission, Sir, I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment, because the position with reference to houses in County Dublin and the acquisition of sites is most unsatisfactory.