asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider carrying out a further housing survey, so as to assess the full housing requirements in the State.

The 1961 Census of Population included specific queries on housing matters, which were framed in consultation with my Department. The results of the census, in conjunction with the results of the recent survey of unfit housing conditions, should provide a suitable basis on which up-to-date assessments of overall housing needs can be formulated.

I understand the recent survey was only in relation to those who were in condemned houses. Is that correct?

Unfit houses.

But surely that does not indicate the housing requirements at present? There are many requirements other than those in respect of houses which are unfit. Would the Minister not consider extending the survey to cover all facets of housing requirements?

Apart from this survey which I requested, and which I found the greatest difficulty in getting local authorities to carry out, all local authorities from time to time put forward proposals for housing schemes and they must forward with their proposals their assessment of the actual needs in the particular area in which they may be proposing to operate. In that way, so far as the local authorities are concerned, they have much more information in a general way than merely the unfit housing problem which was specifically asked for under the terms of the survey.

While I appreciate the Minister's difficulty in the matter and that he has to deal with local authorities, would he consider, as the overall directing authority, directing local authorities to place before him the facts so that he will be in a position to assess the housing requirements which are considerable, not only in Dublin but in practically every urban area?

At the moment, from this survey, which has taken considerably longer than was anticipated, we have the results, together with certain other information garnered during the taking of this census. The two sets of information, we feel, are pretty well sufficient to establish what the real need is in an overall way.

Has the number of houses required in the country been established?

No.

Could the Minister give us any rough idea of the number from the survey?

The Minister could, but there are so many other people giving rough ideas that it might be misleading.

Has the Minister any idea?

He has.

Could he tell the House?

Not by way of idea.

By way of statement then?

Not yet.

How many local authorities did not furnish details regarding unfit houses?

I am afraid I could not say offhand, but there have been considerable delays over the past two and a half years.

Have 50 per cent furnished the information?

I should imagine so at this stage.

Has the Minister any jurisdiction over local authorities with regard to housing? As I know the position generally, it is static.

As the House is well aware, and as they also wish, I may not direct the local authority. The local authority is the initiating body in this and many other matters and while that system may have its faults, it also has its virtues and I do not propose to change it.