asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that owing to the shortage of housing accommodation many marriages which would ordinarily take place have to be deferred or cancelled; and, if so, whether he will arrange with all local authorities for the immediate provision of extra houses for newly-weds.

I am aware that there is need in urban areas for the provision by local authorities of houses for newly-weds. The Housing (Amendment) Act, 1948, enables all urban housing authorities with populations of over 12,000 to make such provision. The question of the extension of these powers to include the smaller urban authorities is being considered in connection with pending legislation.

Can the Minister point to a single instance where houses have been provided for newly-weds in Dún Laoghaire?

I am only telling the Deputy that the Housing Act of 1948 enables such provision to be made in an area where the population is over 12,000, and the question of the extension of these powers to smaller urban authorities is being considered.