asked the Minister for Local Government whether he will consider introducing proposals for legislation to enable labourers who have purchased their cottages to qualify for a reconstruction grant under the Housing Acts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reconstruction Grants.
There is no need for the introduction of new legislation in this matter. There is power under the existing law to make reconstruction grants in the case of vested labourers' cottages. Such grants are made in cases where the existing accommodation is inadequate and where an additional room is required.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that under present enactments persons can qualify only once for a housing reconstruction grant in respect of the premises which they occupy; that persons who obtained such a grant over 20 years ago have applied for a similar grant to repair their houses again, but have been refused because of the existing statutory provision against them; and, if so, whether he will consider introducing proposals for amending legislation to enable these people to put their homes in a satisfactory state of repair and thus help the housing drive.
I am aware that existing legislation precludes the payment of a second housing reconstruction grant. The desirability of making provision for grants in respect of further reconstruction is under examination in my Department. I do not, however, anticipate that such grants as may be authorised by new legislation would be available for mere repair work.