asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the difficulty applicants for housing (reconstruction) grants in South Kerry are experiencing to qualify owing to the attitude of his inspectors who insist on the existing dwelling being in accordance with his Department's standards; and, if so, whether he will have the system adjusted at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Housing Reconstruction Grants.
I am not aware that applicants for reconstruction grants in South Kerry are experiencing difficulty or hardships by having to comply with the regulations requiring the main structure to be brought into conformity with minimum standards as regards soundness of walls and roof, and as regards lighting and ventilation. If the Deputy will give me particulars of any cases which he considers should be reviewed I will have them investigated.
Is the Minister aware that there are at least half a dozen cases which were turned down by his inspectors on the ground that the additional rooms the tenants wanted to build were not in conformity with the existing structure? In view of the fact that these are poor people, mainly smallholders and workers, who could not fulfil the conditions as set out by the inspectors, would the Minister go into the matter again with a view to instructing his officials to allow the applicants to construct the additional living space without going to the expense of reconstructing the whole building?
I was not aware that the Deputy had six cases of this particular type in mind. I understood that he made a complaint to the Department in regard to one case. I can only say that it has been my experience, even before I went into the Department of Local Government, that the people who are charged with the responsibility of making inspections and determining the general specification of reconstruction approach their job in a very reasonable way. The case to which the Deputy has drawn the Department's attention is however being investigated. If there are any other cases in which it can be shown that an unreasonable standard is being set they will be examined.