asked the Minister for Lands if he proposes to amend the Housing (Gaeltacht) Acts by introducing proposals for legislation so as to permit local authorities to make supplementary grants.

This matter is being examined.

This matter is of very great importance to many people in congested districts. Can we get an undertaking that the matter will be settled at a very early date?

There will be no unnecessary delay in arriving at a conclusion but I could not forecast a date.

Will it be necessary to bring in legislation in connection with this matter?

It will.

Is the Minister aware that the whole Gaeltacht housing scheme has been held up pending clarification of the matter by the Minister; that clarification is long overdue; that scores of applicants in the Gaeltacht for Gaeltacht housing grants have transferred their claims to the local government scheme, which is more remunerative? If the Minister has in mind keeping on the Gaeltacht housing scheme, I would suggest that he should make a statement on this matter in the very near future.

It is not correct for the Deputy to say that the scheme is held up. It is not held up. Certain cases that do not qualify under the Gaeltacht Housing Acts, naturally, cannot be dealt with and the persons concerned have been told so and, if they have made application to the Department of Local Government for the grant which is available there, that is perfectly correct procedure. It is contemplated to amend the legislation in certain respects and I hope the Deputy and his Party will give me every assistance when that legislation comes into the House.