Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 1339: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he received a letter from the Taoiseach concerning the housing needs of persons (details supplied) in County Roscommon; if he has contacted Roscommon County Council on the matter; if he has received a reply from Roscommon County Council; and if he has satisfied himself that Roscommon County Council discharged its statutory responsibilities in this matter. [1264/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I have received correspondence from the Taoiseach as well as correspondence directly from the person referred to in the question about his family's accommodation position.

My function in relation to Travellers is to ensure that there is an adequate legislative and financial framework in place within which local authorities, relevant voluntary bodies and Traveller organisations may provide or be assisted in the provision, management and maintenance of accommodation for Travellers. I am precluded by section 11(9) of the Housing Act 1988 from directing a local authority concerning the letting of a dwelling to any individual person.

From inquiries made from Roscommon County Council, I understand that the council has made offers of both temporary and permanent accommodation in this case. In late 2000, a site owned by the council, two kilometres from Boyle, was identified, services were provided on the site and a new mobile home was provided on the site for the family in question. The family was informed that this site was being provided as an interim solution, pending the provision of permanent accommodation. The family did not accept the offer and left County Roscommon in December 2000, returning in September 2001.

In September 2002, the family was offered tenancy of a house approximately 1.6 kilometres from Boyle town. It was made clear to the family that this house would be extended to meet its needs. The council has already provided temporary facilities at this site — a parking area for the mobile home and sanitary services — that could be used while the existing house is being extended. This offer of accommodation, which I understand has been refused, is still open to the family. The council further informed me that it has not identified any other suitable house to meet the needs of this family. I am satisfied that the council is making all reasonable efforts to provide for the accommodation needs in this case.