Dublin housing shortage and waiting-list figures
Keating challenged the Minister’s claim that conditions had eased, arguing that the scarcity of houses remained; the Minister said he meant a reduced shortage of tradesmen, which he viewed as a cause of fewer houses. Fitzpatrick disputed the claim that Dublin’s waiting list had fallen and stressed that Dublin was not representative of the country. Quinn then asked the Minister to consult party representatives on Dublin Corporation for a fuller account.
Am I interpreting the Minister correctly when he said there was an easing up in the position vis-à-vis local authority housing? If so, on what does he base that and does he believe that that view is in conformity with the statement signed by 22 priests in the inner city of Dublin this morning?
Comment on this
I did not see the statement. I was dealing more specifically with the problem as it arose for Dublin Corporation. My information from them is that it has eased in recent months.
Comment on this
(Cavan-Monaghan): Does the Minister accept that while the number of houses being built is on a substantial decline the waiting list is increasing?
Comment on this
I do not because the waiting list in Dublin Corporation was reduced by almost 800 between November 1978 and May 1979. I do not have figures for other areas.
Comment on this
Arising from the Minister's reply regarding the communication with Dublin Corporation, with no disrespect to the officials involved or to the Minister's Department, but for the remaining time that the Minister will be Minister for the Environment will he consult his party's representatives on the corporation who, under the leadership of Deputy Moore, will give the real facts and not the official ones?