asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the urgent need for houses in Saint Margarets, County Dublin and the lack of progress on the part of Dublin County Council in providing them, he will consider taking immediate action to solve the housing needs of the area.

I have been acutely conscious of the pressing need for houses in the St. Margarets area and for more than two years past I have been pressing for effective action by the county council to meet the needs. I agree with the Deputy that there has been a most disappointing lack of progress so far by the housing authority because—I am informed—of difficulties in getting a suitable site in the area. However, I understand that a reasonably suitable site has now been selected and efforts are being made to acquire it.

Is the Minister going to abolish Deputy Burke?

Deputy Burke is only one man.

He will be chairman this year.

Is the Minister aware that at a recent housing meeting in St. Margarets members of the Coalition Parties—Fine Gael and Labour— accused the Minister for Local Government of sidetracking the issue of providing the necessary houses in the St. Margarets area? Can the Minister give us an assurance that it was not a delay on his part that caused the grave housing needs in St. Margarets but feet dragging by the Dublin County Council.

Who has a majority on Dublin County Council?

Fine Gael and Labour.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. Let the Deputy not cod himself. He does not even know what is happening in his own county.

Excuse me, we know what is happening.

You are swapping chairs each year.

Order.

I am aware of the fact that there has been a great amount of frustration in trying to provide these houses but a site has now been selected which should result in a partial solution of the problem.

The last houses that were built in St. Margarets were built 20 years ago by the inter-Party Government.

And the next will be built by this Government in spite of the obstruction of the Coalition Parties on the council.

The Minister will not be there to know anything about it. He will be somewhere else.

In spite of the Coalition dominated county council the next houses will be built by this Government——

Will the Minister leave it so?

——the county having benefited by the departure of Deputy Dunne.

There will be a big funeral.

I know the Minister is saying rosaries for that but he will not be answered.

Look over your shoulder.