asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will now consider the desirability of raising the maximum valuation limit in respect of grants for the reconstruction of farm houses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reconstruction of Farm Houses.
An extension of the law governing the allocation of grants for the reconstruction of farmers' dwellings is not contemplated.
The provisions of the Housing Acts with regard to the reconstruction of such houses apply to holdings with a valuation not exceeding £25. The total number of holdings within this limit is over 300,000, or 80 per cent of the total number of agricultural holdings, and so far as I am aware, no case exists for increasing the present valuation limit of £25.
Would the Minister not realise that there is a case for at least a small increase, say, up to £35? That would bring in a large number of farmers who are in rather difficult circumstances, and who occupy practically the same type of dwellinghouse as the people under £25 valuation, that would be the old mudwall houses, which do need to be reconstructed.
I am aware of the fact that there are over 20,000 houses to be provided for slum dwellers in Dublin, which must have first claim on the Exchequer.