asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state the number of houses erected in 1936 by the Dublin Corporation.

From returns furnished by the Dublin Corporation, it appears that the number of dwellings erected by the corporation during the calendar year 1936 was 1,274.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he satisfied with that rate of progress?

I do not think I would be satisfied, or that I would express satisfaction, even if they would produce double the number.

In view of the Minister's reply, will he make representations to the corporation to induce them to accelerate house building, having regard to the fact that such a small number of houses is being built now?

The Deputy knows and, I think, everybody knows, that I have been making both private and public representations to the corporation in regard to this matter.

Well, will the Minister make more effective representations?

Is the shortage of houses not due in some measure to the shortage of skilled tradesmen?

I read last week the very comprehensive report submitted to the Dublin Corporation, a copy of which was sent to my Department by the housing section of the corporation. In that report there were some references to a shortage of plasterers. I think that is the only skilled trade in which it was definitely ascertained that there was a definite shortage of labour.

It is more marked in the plastering trades than in other trades.