asked the Minister for the Environment if he will take action to render all houses in Michael Collins Park, Clondalkin, County Dublin fully habitable or alternatively to provide the residents with other accommodation.

67.

asked the Minister for the Environment the action his Department has taken in consultation with Dublin County Council in respect of complaints about the condition of dwellings at Michael Collins Park, Clondalkin, County Dublin.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 67 together.

The provision and maintenance of their housing estate is primarily a matter for the local authority concerned. I understand from Dublin County Council that appropriate remedial action is being taken where specific complaints are received in relation to tenanted houses.

I have no function in providing alternative accommodation for tenants. It is a matter for each local authority to consider individual applications from tenants who wish to transfer from their present accommodation.

Does the Minister know that it is a long standing practice in the city that where somebody is in default of rent they tend to be put into substandard housing accommodation? I understand the problem in collecting rent but would the Minister agree that it is most unfair to the wife and children of a defaulting husband that this kind of practice should continue?

I agree that it is quite unbearable on the dependants, but under the Act, the allocation of houses is a function for the local authority.

I know it is, but would the Minister agree that this is a long standing practice and would he express his dissatisfaction at this practice by the health authority? An alcoholic man who drinks the rent is sick, and there is no point in penalising not only him but his wife and children. Will the Minister express his opinion on this?

The Deputy is giving information.

It is just as well someone is.

The Minister agrees that this is a long term problem that has been there for some time and says that it is the responsibility of the local authority to put it right. The reason that the local authority are not putting it right is because the money is not being made available by the Department of the Environment.

Does the Minister know of this practice in the city of Dublin, and if he knows of it does he approve or disapprove?

I did not know of this practice, and I would disapprove of it.