asked the Minister for Local Government, and Public Health if he will state whether an application for a reconstruction grant was received from Mrs. E. Kelly, Claregate Street, Kildare, in respect of the reconstruction of her house, whether he is aware of the fact that an inspector from his Department authorised Mrs. Kelly to proceed with the reconstruction work; that on the strength of this authorisation Mrs. Kelly proceeded to have the work carried out; that when the work was completed Mrs. Kelly was informed that the grant could not be paid to her, and whether, having regard to the fact that the work was carried out on the assurance of an officer from his Department, he will review the decision to withhold the grant from Mrs. Kelly and sanction payment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kildare Reconstruction Grant.
The facts of the case are substantially as stated. When the application was received it was accompanied by a declaration that the applicant worked in a rural district as a shopkeeper. A certificate of approval for the carrying out of the work was issued. The question subsequently arose as to whether a shopkeeper was qualified under the Housing Acts to receive a reconstruction grant. After full consideration of the law on the matter we were advised that under those Acts grants could not legally be paid to persons engaged in ordinary trade, and accordingly we had no option but to refuse reconstruction grants in such cases.
Is the Minister aware of the fact that this relatively poor woman undertook this reconstruction work on an authorisation from his Department and on an assurance by an inspector of his Department? These facts are not denied in the Minister's reply. In view of the fact that this woman was occasioned expense, which she believed would be recouped to her in part by the State, would the Minister examine this matter personally and sympathetically with a view to seeing whether there is any means of overcoming the unfortunate difficulty which has arisen and which has placed this woman in a very embarrassing position in relation to the people who carried out the work?
The position in regard to this matter is that we have been advised that the interpretation put on the section was too wide. When we were advised to that effect we had no option except to fulfil the requirements of the law. Naturally there were some cases like this where applications have been approved. I am considering what can be done in order to redress the situation which has been created by the broader interpretation which was given to the law than was warranted by the terms of the Act.
I can take it therefore that the matter will have sympathetic consideration by the Minister.