(Junior) asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether, in view of the extreme poverty amongst certain sections of the community brought about by continuous unemployment, he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation granting a special rent voucher for the payment or part payment of rent in necessitous cases.

The reply is in the negative. Persons in necessitous circumstances receive public assistance through the recognised channels.

Will the Minister say whether the Government will so recognise the channels of assistance as to prevent people who are unemployed from being evicted from their homes because of their inability to pay rent? Will the Government assist in that matter?

I have nothing to say to that. That is another question.

It follows from the question which I put down. The Government was asked to take certain action. The Minister says that that is a matter for another authority. I ask them to assist that other authority. There is considerable unemployment in the city, particularly in Kimmage, Crumlin and Cabra areas.