asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the total number of dwellings which the corporation of Dublin estimate they will build in each of the years 1952 to 1954, inclusive.

I have been informed that in a report furnished to the Dublin Corporation it was estimated that the numbers of dwellings which will be built in each of the years 1952 to 1954 are 2,480, 1,450 and 2,470 respectively.

Is it not a fact that in 1939 they were able to reach that target?

Does that represent a decrease in the number of houses which are to be built this year as compared with the year 1951?

I think the Deputy should put down another question on that matter.

May I point out to the Minister that, on these figures, the corporation will build only 1,450 houses next year although their original target was 3,000 houses, and that at present they are building 2,500 houses? That represents a drop of nearly 1,000 houses. I respectfully point out that delay in giving decisions on plans submitted by the corporation has a very important significance in this connection.

Can the Minister give any reason for the sharp decline in the building programme by the Dublin Corporation? Will the Minister answer my question?

asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the total number of dwellings built by the Corporation of Dublin in each of the years 1948 to 1951, inclusive.

The numbers of dwellings built by the Corporation of Dublin in each of the four years ended 31st December, 1951, were 500, 1,436, 2,393, and 2,271 respectively.